SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Whatever you do, if you see a mountain lion in the area, don’t exactly give it a welcome.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says GPS technology has tracked a mountain lion from Nebraska, all the way to the west side of Springfield as of Wednesday.
You shouldn’t approach it, but if you do…
“Do not surprise the mountain lion. Make noise to ensure that the mountain lion is aware of your presence,” said Mike Wefer, Illinois DNR Wildlife Chief. “A mountain lion is not likely to attack a person unless it feels trapped, provoked, or if you appear to be prey, which is why you should not run away from a mountain lion.”
If it sees you, Wefer says stand your ground, but appear as big as possible by standing up straight, putting your hands in the air, backing away slowly, and don’t play dead.
“If possible, go inside a building or get into a vehicle. If you are in a group, gather everyone together if possible, and move as a group. Respect the mountain lion’s space and do not approach it,” said Wefer. “If a mountain lion makes contact with you, always try to fight it off. Throw rocks. Use sticks. Do not play dead.”
In addition to the west side of Springfield, the DNR says it’s also been tracked to Cass and McDonough Counties.
A mountain lion was killed earlier in the month in DeKalb after it was struck by a vehicle.
State officials say the mountain lion was outfitted with a GPS device in 2021 as part of a state project in Nebraska.
