Cougars in Wisconsin

Identification

Identifying characteristics

The cougar is the largest wildcat in North America, north of Mexico. Only the jaguar of South America, Central America, and Mexico are more prominent in the Americas.

Size

• Adult weight: 116-160 pounds (male) and 75-110 pounds (female)
• Length: 80-95 inches (male) and 72-80 inches (female)
• Tail length: 28-38 inches and ropelike with a black tip
• Shoulder height: 27-31 inches

Adult coloration

• The coat overall is tawny but can vary from reddish yellow to gray
• The belly, underside, inside legs, and chin are white or creamy
• Black-tipped tail
• Some black on the front of the muzzle, below the nose
• The back of the ears are solid black or gray
• Black phases have never been scientifically documented

Immature coloration

• Young have dark brown spots that last until nine months of age
• Light spotting may still be present until the cougar is two years old

Tracks

• In mud or snow, 2.7-4.0 inches in length and 2.8-4.5 inches in width
• Round and often more comprehensive than they are long
• No claws (although some canid tracks may not show claws or nails)

Report a sighting

Report a cougar observation

The DNR is interested in receiving reports on cougar observations in the state. Please use the wildlife observation form and include details of the exact location, time, date, and description of the animal. Pictures of the animals and their tracks are also greatly appreciated. Pictures of suspected tracks should have a ruler or other measuring tool in the photo.

Biological samples that can be tested for genetics may also be instrumental. These could include scats, hair samples, other body parts, or remains of prey species. Samples should be gathered in airproof containers, and people should avoid skin contact with biological samples. The DNR should be contacted before any samples are shipped.

Sightings

Background

DNR biologists investigate cougar reports, and a determination is made based on the evidence provided. This map shows sightings reported to DNR that could be confirmed as verified or probable and shared with permission. These reports primarily consist of field camera photos or cougar signs, with the evidence and the location verified by biologists. Each observation does not necessarily represent a different cougar. Many likely repeat observations of the same individual cougar as it moves across the landscape. It is expected other probable reports exist, but not all observations are reported to DNR for verification. 

View the map of cougar sightings.

Wild cougars probably disappeared from the state by about 1910, but reports again began to surface in the 1940s. These were perhaps escaped captive cougars or misidentifications. Since 1991, the DNR has conducted a standardized system of collecting reports of cougars and other rare mammals.

While there have been several verified sightings of cougars in Wisconsin recently, there is currently no evidence that they are breeding here. Biologists believe any confirmed sightings are transient male cougars dispersing from a breeding population in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

2024 Observations 

As of July, there are 22 total verified or probable cougar sightings reported to the DNR. There are some verified reports that did not grant DNR permission for public use and display. Additionally, there are a few other reports of cougar sightings that have credible evidence to support the sightings but could not be verified due to various circumstances (classified as probable). These reports are omitted below. 

 

On June 29, 2024, a cougar was captured on video from a trail camera in central Marinette County. DNR staff verified the location and the report. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. 

On June 11, 2024, a cougar was captured on a trail camera in eastern Marinette County. DNR staff verified the location and the report. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. 

On May 3, 2024, a cougar was captured on a trail camera in Marinette County. DNR staff verified the location and the report. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. 

On April 23, 2024, a cougar was captured on a trail camera in western Oconto County. DNR staff verified the location and the report. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. 

On April 2, 2024, a cougar was captured on a trail camera in SW Marinette County. DNR staff verified the location and the report. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure.

On March 26, 2024, a cougar was captured on a trail camera in western Marinette County. DNR staff verified the location and the report. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. 

On March 20, 2024, a cougar was captured on video from a trail camera near Wabeno in Marinette County. DNR staff verified the location and the report. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. 

On March 10, 2024, a cougar was captured on a trail camera near Wagner in Marinette County. DNR staff verified the location and the report. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. 

On Feb. 1, 2024, cougar tracks were found in eastern Marinette County. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette and Shawano County listed below, but it is not known for sure. 

On Jan. 22, 2024, A cougar was recorded on video on a trail camera in central Marinette County, and tracks were later photographed. DNR staff verified the location and the report. This individual may be the same as the one confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure.   

 

On Jan. 21, 2024, A cougar was caught on a trail camera in central Marinette County. DNR staff verified the location and the report. This individual may be the same as the one confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. 

On Jan. 19, 2024, A cougar was caught on a trail camera in southwestern Marinette County. DNR staff verified the location and the report. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 1st verified cougar report of 2024.  

 

2023 Observations 

There were a few other reports of cougar sightings during 2023 that had credible evidence to support the sightings. However, these sightings could not be verified due to various circumstances and are omitted below. Additionally, some reports were not granted permission for public use and display. 

On Dec. 18, 2023, A cougar was caught on a trail camera in Marinette County. DNR staff visited the site and verified the location and report. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 29th verified cougar report of 2023. 

On Nov. 23, 2023, A cougar was caught on a trail camera in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 28th verified cougar report of 2023.

On Nov. 20, 2023, A cougar was caught on a trail camera in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Forest County listed below, but it is not known for sure. We were able to compare the cougar with a deer captured by the same camera. See below for a comparison. This is the 27th verified cougar report of 2023.

 

On Nov. 11, 2023, a cougar was killed in western Buffalo County. The incident involved an archery deer hunter who encountered the cougar while hunting and felt their safety was at risk. The hunter shot the cougar and self-reported it shortly afterward to the DNR. The DNR collected the cougar carcass as part of the investigation. Conservation wardens conducted a thorough investigation into the shooting and provided the information to the Buffalo County District Attorney. After careful review and consideration, no charges were filed. DNR biologists conducted a full necropsy of the animal. The male cougar was in good health and aged two years via cementum analysis. Genetic results indicated the animal most closely matched other cougars sampled from the western South Dakota and Nebraska breeding population of cougars, meaning it was most likely was born there. 

 

On Nov. 8, 2023, a cougar was caught on a trail camera in western Buffalo County. A local biologist later verified this sighting and collected samples that will be analyzed for genetics. This is the 26th verified cougar report of 2023. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Nov. 6, 2023, a cougar was captured on a trail camera in southern Forest County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Langlade County listed below, but it is not known for sure. We were able to compare the cougar with a deer captured by the same camera. See below for a comparison. This is the 25th verified cougar report of 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Nov. 1, 2023, cougar tracks were found in SE Langlade County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette and Shawano County listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 24th verified cougar report of 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Oct. 28, 2023, a cougar was captured on a trail camera in northern Shawano County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. We were able to compare the cougar with a bear captured by the same camera. See below for a comparison. This is the 23rd verified cougar report of 2023. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Aug. 29, 2023, a cougar was captured on a trail camera in northern Oconto County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 22nd verified cougar report of 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Aug. 19, 2023, a cougar was captured on a trail camera near Wausaukee in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 21st verified cougar report of 2023.

On Aug. 19, 2023, a cougar was captured on a trail camera near Wausaukee in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 20th verified cougar report of 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Aug. 17, 2023, a cougar was captured on a trail camera near Middle Inlet in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 19th verified cougar report of 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Aug. 15, 2023, a cougar was captured on a trail camera near Pound in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings in Marinette County listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 18th verified cougar report of 2023.

On Aug. 13, 2023, a cougar was seen on a security camera near Lake Tomahawk in Oneida County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This is the 17th verified cougar report of 2023.

On Aug. 9, 2023, a cougar was seen on a trail camera near Pine Lake in Oneida County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This is the 16th verified cougar report of 2023.

On Aug. 4, 2023, a cougar was seen on a trail camera near Beecher in Washburn County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 15th verified cougar report of 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Jul. 27, 2023, a cougar was seen on a trail camera near Minong in Washburn County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. Note the date on the photo is incorrect. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 14th verified cougar report of 2023.

 

On Jul. 26, 2023, a cougar was seen on a trail camera near Minong in Washburn County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings listed below in Sawyer and Washburn County, but it is not known for sure. This is the 13th verified cougar report of 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Jul. 23, 2023, a cougar was seen on a trail camera near Bass Lake in Washburn County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings listed below in Sawyer County, but it is not known for sure. This is the 12th verified cougar report of 2023.

On Jul. 22, 2023, a cougar was seen in a backyard near Wagner in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 11th verified cougar report of 2023.

On Jul. 19, 2023, a cougar was seen on a trail camera near Spider Lake in Sawyer County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This is the 10th verified cougar report of 2023.

On Jun. 29, 2023, a cougar was captured on a security camera near Mountain in Oconto County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 9th verified cougar report of 2023.

On Jun. 19, 2023, a cougar was captured on two trail cameras about 1/4th mile apart NW of Wausaukee in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified these sightings. This individual is likely the same animal captured twice and may be the same animal confirmed in the previous sightings listed below in Marinette County, but it is not known for sure. These are the 7th and 8th verified cougar reports of 2023.

On Jun. 17, 2023, a cougar was captured on a trail camera near Florence in Florence County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This is the 6th verified cougar report of 2023.

On Jun. 14, 2023, a cougar was captured on a trail camera near Dunbar in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 5th verified cougar report of 2023.

On May 7, 2023, a cougar was captured on a trail camera north of Crivitz in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 4th verified cougar report of 2023. 

On Feb. 10, 2023, cougar tracks were discovered near Wausaukee in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sightings listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 3rd verified cougar report of 2023. 

On Feb. 3, 2023, a cougar was captured near Pembine, WI, in Marinette County on a trail camera. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This is the 2nd verified cougar report of 2023. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sighting listed below, but it is not known for sure. 

On Feb. 1, 2023, a cougar was captured on a trail camera in Dunbar, WI, in Marinette County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This is the 1st verified cougar report of 2023 and follows a series of confirmed reports in northeast Wisconsin dating back to late 2022.

 

2022 Observations 

On Dec. 27, 2022, bobcat hunters treed a cougar in Langlade County Forest Lands in NE Langlade County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sighting listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 15th verified cougar report of 2022. 

There were a few other reports of cougar sightings during 2022 that had credible evidence to support the sightings. However, these sightings could not be verified due to various circumstances and are omitted below. 

 

On Dec. 18, 2022, bobcat hunters treed a cougar south of Rhinelander in Lincoln County. DNR staff located a cache site and took several biological samples. These samples will be genetically analyzed. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sighting listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 14th verified cougar report of 2022. 

On Dec. 5, 2022, a cougar was captured on a trail camera near Florence, WI, in Florence County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sighting listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 13th verified cougar report of 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Nov. 17, 2022, a cougar was captured on a trail camera near Conover, WI, in Vilas County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sighting listed below, but it is not known for sure. This is the 12th verified cougar report of 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Nov. 11, 2022, a cougar was captured running down a forest road near Conover, WI, in Vilas County. A local biologist later verified this sighting. This is the 11th verified cougar report of 2022. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera in the early morning of Sept. 9, 2022, near Cassville, WI, in Grant County and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 10th verified cougar report of 2022. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sighting listed below, but it is not known for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera in the early morning of Sept. 1, 2022, near Lynxville, WI, in Crawford County, and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 9th verified cougar report of 2022. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sighting listed below, but it is not known for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on the late evening of Aug. 28, 2022, near Gays Mills, WI, in Crawford County, and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 8th verified cougar report of 2022. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sighting listed below, but it is not known for sure.

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on the late evening of Aug. 10, 2022, northwest of Prairie du Sac, WI, in Sauk County, and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 7th verified cougar report of 2022. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sighting listed below, but it is not known for sure.

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera in the early morning of Jul. 29, 2022, near Boaz, WI, in Richland County, and was later verified by a local biologist through rigorous scale and measurement assessments. This is the 6th verified cougar report of 2022. This individual may be confirmed in the previous sighting listed below as the photos were captured ~3 hrs and about 3.5 miles apart, but it is unknown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera in the early morning of Jul. 29, 2022, near Boaz, WI, in Richland County, and was later verified by a local biologist through rigorous scale and measurement assessments. This is the 5th verified cougar report of 2022. This individual may be the same confirmed in the previous sighting listed below, as the sightings are ~10 miles and about 2.5 days apart, but it is not known for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on the evening of Jul. 26, 2022, near Marshall, WI, in Richland County, and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 4th verified cougar report of 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera in the early morning of Jul. 25, 2022, near Hub City, WI, in Richland County, and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 3rd verified cougar report of 2022.

A cougar was captured on a trail camera around Jun. 21, 2022, near Rolling, WI, in Langlade County and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 2nd verified cougar report of 2022.

In Price County, WI, a cougar was captured on a Snapshot Wisconsin trail camera around Jun. 1, 2022. This photo is of particular interest as it suggests this is a male cat, indicated by the dark spot on the underside of the rear end near the base of the tail. This is the 1st verified cougar report of 2022.

 

2021 Observations

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on the evening of Dec. 2, 2021, in Shawano County, near Belle Plaine, and was later verified by a local biologist through rigorous scale and measurement assessments. This is the 18th verified cougar report of 2021. This individual may be the same confirmed in previous counties listed below between Oct. 10 and Nov. 27, but it is not known for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on the evening of Nov. 25, 2021, in Outagamie County, west of Green Bay and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 16th verified cougar report of 2021. This individual may be the same confirmed in previous counties listed below between Oct. 10 and Nov. 22, but it is not known for sure. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on the evening of Nov. 22, 2021, in Brown County, SE of Green Bay and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 15th verified cougar report of 2021. This individual may be the same confirmed in previous counties listed below between Oct. 10 and Nov. 15, but it is not known for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on the evening of Nov. 15, 2021, in Manitowoc County SW of Manitowoc and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 14th verified cougar report of 2021. This individual may be the same confirmed in previous counties listed below between Oct. 10 and the early morning of Nov. 15, but it is not known for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera in the early morning of Nov. 15, 2021, in Sheboygan County near Sheboygan and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 13th verified cougar report of 2021. This individual may be the same confirmed in previous counties listed below between Oct. 10 and Nov. 7, but it is not known for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on Nov. 7, 2021, in Washington County near West Bend and later verified by a local biologist. This is the 12th verified cougar report of 2021. This individual may be the same confirmed in previous counties listed below between Oct. 10 and Nov. 3, but it is not known for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera in Fond du Lac County on Nov. 3, 2021, and later verified by a local biologist. This is the 11th verified cougar report of 2021. This individual may be the same confirmed in previous counties listed below between Oct. 10 and 28, but it is not known for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on Oct. 28, 2021, in Winnebago County and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 10th verified cougar report of 2021. This individual may be the same confirmed in previous counties listed below between Oct. 10 and 22, but it is not known for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on Oct. 22, 2021, in SW Waupaca County and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 9th verified cougar report of 2021. This individual may be the same as those confirmed in Lincoln, Marathon, and Wood counties on Oct. 3, 10, and 18, but it is unknown.

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on Oct. 18, 2021, in eastern Wood County near the Portage County line and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 8th verified cougar report of 2021. This individual may be the same as those confirmed in Lincoln and Marathon counties on Oct. 3 and 10, but it is unknown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on Oct. 10, 2021, in central Marathon County near the city of Marathon and was later verified by a local biologist. This is the 7th verified cougar report of 2021.

A cougar was captured on a trail camera on Oct. 3, 2021, in Lincoln County near Gleason and was later verified by a DNR biologist. This is the 6th verified cougar report of 2021.

A trail camera captured two photos of a cougar on Apr. 14, 2021, near Wittenberg in Shawano County and was later verified by DNR staff. This is the 5th verified cougar report of 2021.

A set of cougar tracks was found on Mar. 6, 2021, near Washburn in Bayfield County and was later verified by DNR staff. This is the 4th verified cougar report of 2021.

A set of cougar tracks was found on Mar. 6, 2021, near Crivitz in Marinette County and was later verified by biologists. This is the 3rd verified cougar report of 2021.

A trail camera captured a video of a cougar on Feb. 1, 2021, west of Park Falls in Price County. A DNR biologist later verified the site and video. This is the 2nd verified cougar report of 2021.

A set of cougar tracks was found on Jan. 24, 2021, in northwest Sawyer County and were later verified by biologists. This is the 1st verified cougar report of 2021 and follows a series of confirmed reports in northwest Wisconsin dating back to late 2020.

2020 Observations

A set of tracks was found on Dec. 28, 2020, near Cable in Bayfield County. A local biologist later confirmed the tracks. This makes the fifteenth confirmed cougar observation in 2020.

A mountain lion was treed on Dec. 26, 2020, near Seely in Bayfield County. Local biologists later confirmed the siting based on photos taken at the scene. This is the fourteenth confirmed cougar observation in 2020.

A trail camera captured a photo of a cougar on Dec. 14, 2020, near Washburn in Bayfield County. A biologist later confirmed the site and documented tracks from the observation. This is the thirteenth confirmed cougar observation for 2020. 

A set of tracks was found in Barron County near Barronett on Nov. 30, 2020. Department biologists later confirmed the tracks. This is the twelfth confirmed cougar observation in 2020. 

A trail camera captured a photo of a cougar on Nov. 24, 2020, near Cable, but just within Sawyer County. This individual may be the same confirmed in Sawyer County on Oct. 18, but it is not known for sure. This is the eleventh confirmed cougar observation in 2020. 

A trail camera captured a photo of a cougar on Oct. 18, 2020, in Sawyer County. This photo is the tenth confirmed cougar observation for 2020.

A trail camera captured a photo of a cougar on Oct. 1, 2020, in Oconto County. This photo is the ninth confirmed cougar observation for 2020. Based on proximity to earlier reports, this animal may be the same individual from the Shawano, Menominee, Portage, and Waupaca County observations in February and March, or maybe a different individual.

On Feb. 8 and Mar. 29, 2020, a cougar was captured on a trail camera in Shawano County. These photos are the seventh and eighth confirmed cougar observations for 2020. The animal is assumed to be the same individual from the Menominee, Portage, and Waupaca Counties observations in February and March. 

In Menominee County, a trail camera photo was captured on Feb. 2, 2020. This photo predates the Mar. 22 Snapshot Wisconsin photo but was confirmed afterward. This is the sixth confirmed cougar observation for 2020.

On Mar. 22, 2020, a Snapshot Wisconsin camera photographed a cougar in Waupaca County. This photo is an important milestone as it is the first cougar documented using the Snapshot program. This is the fifth confirmed cougar observation for 2020 and is assumed to be the same individual observed in Portage County in February.

On Feb. 13, 2020, a trail camera captured photos of a cougar in Portage County, which a DNR biologist later confirmed. This is the fourth confirmed cougar observation for 2020. 

A trail camera captured a photo of a cougar in Price County on Feb. 1, 2020, and was later confirmed by a DNR biologist. The animal is suspected to be the same individual from the observations on Jan. 30, 2020, and Dec. 15, 2019. This is the third confirmed observation for 2020.

On Jan. 30, 2020, a trail camera captured a photo of a cougar in Price County, which a DNR biologist later confirmed. The animal is suspected to be the same individual from the Dec. 15, 2019 observation. This is the second confirmed cougar observation for 2020.

On Jan. 17, 2020, a trail camera captured a short video of a cougar in Oneida County. This is the first confirmed cougar observation for 2020.

 

2019 Observations

Cougar tracks were found in Sawyer County on Dec. 15, 2019. Another observer also reported tracks in nearby Price County on the same day, which are assumed to be from the same individual. The site and tracks were later confirmed by biologists, making these the 11th and 12th confirmed cougar observations for 2019.

A set of cougar tracks, leading to a deer kill, were found on Nov. 28, 2019. The tracks led through two properties in Washburn and Barron counties and were reported by two individuals. The locations and kill site were later verified by biologists, making these the 9th and 10th confirmed cougar observations in 2019.

A trail camera captured a video of a cougar near Pepin County on Nov. 17, 2019. Biologists later verified the location, making this the 8th confirmed cougar observation in 2019.

On Aug. 29, 2019, a trail camera photo of a cougar in Marinette County was captured. The DNR verified the image, and it is assumed that it is the same individual observed on Aug. 21 and Aug. 23 in the same region. This is the 7th confirmed cougar observation in 2019.

On Aug. 23, 2019, a photo of a cougar in Marinette County was captured. The image has been shared online as having been taken in other locations in the state, but an investigation by the DNR has confirmed the place in Marinette County. This is the 6th established cougar in Wisconsin in 2019.

A trail camera photographed a cougar in Marinette County on Aug. 21, 2019. This is the 5th confirmed cougar observation in Wisconsin in 2019.

A once-in-a-lifetime series of trail camera photos captured a cougar depredating upon a white-tailed deer in Bayfield County on Aug. 20, 2019. The DNR later verified the pictures and location.

On Aug. 13, 2019, tribal wardens confirmed a trail camera photo of a cougar on the Red Cliff Reservation in Bayfield County.

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On Apr. 3, 2019, photos of cougar tracks were taken by a cross-country skier near Minocqua in Oneida County.

A video of a cougar was captured on a trail camera near Land O'Lakes in Vilas County on Apr. 5, 2019. The location was about 34 miles northeast of the tracks confirmed in Oneida County 2 days earlier and may have been the same animal.

Mistaken ID's

Animals and tracks are mistaken for cougars.

Cougars are sometimes confused with other animals - from observations of the animals themselves or observations of tracks. Some species mistaken for cougars in Wisconsin have included house cats, fishers, bobcats, bears (tracks), dogs, red foxes, coyotes, and wolves.

Wild canids, such as wolves and coyotes, may have been mistaken for cougars if they had mange, causing them to have short fur and long ropelike tails. Mistaken observations are probably made when animals are seen under poor lighting, moving quickly, are observed at long distances, see only portions of the animal, or make mistakes in track identification.

Photos of animals mistaken for cougars

Animal tracks are often mistaken for cougars.

Living w/cougars

Living with cougars

The cougar is a reclusive animal that rarely makes a noise that would reveal its presence. According to the Mountain Lion Foundation, 13 people have been killed in mountain lion attacks in North America in the past 100 years. That compares with 1,300 deaths by rattlesnakes and 4,000 by bees.

Although encounters are rare, there are things you can do to enhance your safety and that of friends and family.

• People hiking in areas where cougars are known to occur are advised to walk in groups and keep small children in sight.
• If a cougar approaches and does not immediately flee, stand tall, wave your arms, throw stones or other objects and yell. Don't run, but slowly back away from the site, keeping an eye on the cougar.

Read the Living with Mountain Lions [PDF, exit DNR] brochure from the Arizona Game & Fish Department for more information.

Genetics and biological samples

• Protocols for collecting and storing DNA samples [exit DNR]
  Call 1-715-762-1363 or 1-715-762-1362

Identification help

• Mountain lion - animal tracks
• Acoustic and functional analysis of mountain lion vocalizations [exit DNR]

Natural history

• Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan) [exit DNR]

Reports

• Rare Mammal Observation Reports