Why Are People Suddenly Seeing Mountain Lions All Over Southern Illinois?

One of the not-so-cuddly cats is hanging out in Illinois.

As you can probably guess, mountain lions are a rare sight in Illinois. But every once in a while they pop in just to keep things interesting.

The Illinois DNR says they've received multiple reports from counties in southern Illinois (specifically Union and Jackson counties) about seeing a mountain lion. The DNR believes that it's the same animal, which would make sense since it's just the 12th confirmed mountain lion sighting in Illinois since 2002.

The DNR is saying it's likely that the mountain lions came from Nebraska and the Dakotas (you mean they're not Midwestern?? I'm floored) based on DNA analysis and the previous ones in the state were 2-3 year old males.

And because common sense has taken a one-way ticket off the planet, you're reminded not to take a selfie with it or try to pet it. The advice from Illinois DNR:

1. Don't run (it's not stupid, it will chase you)
2. Don't play dead (see above)

If you see it, make some noise to let it know where you are. Mountain lions will go after you if they feel cornered or provoked so if you see it and it sees you, stand your ground, but give it space, stand tall, and slowly back away. Legally, you can't kill one unless there's imminent danger.

Mountain lion tracks look kind of like large dog tracks but mountain lion tracks won't have claw marks. If you see a mountain lion, you're asked to report it to Illinois DNR.