There is no evidence that resident breeding populations of cougars exist in Illinois at this time. In the last several years there have been confirmed sightings of individual cougars moving through the state. Legal StatusĬougars were eliminated from Illinois before 1870 due to habitat loss and hunting pressure. The distances and chronology of the images suggest that they may have shown the same animal. Similarly, trail camera images taken in Sangamon and Effingham counties in November 2014 were confirmed to show a cougar. Given the long distances typically traveled by cougars and the proximity of the counties (especially Calhoun, Morgan, and Pike), it is possible that the camera images may have shown the same individual. Images taken by trail cameras in Jo Daviess County (September 2012) and in Morgan, Pike, and Calhoun counties (October and November 2012) were confirmed by IDNR to show a live cougar. DNA analysis indicates these four animals were genetically similar to cougars from South Dakota and strongly suggests that these are all wild males dispersing from that western population. All were sub-adult (2 tp 3 year old) males. The fourth was killed by Illinois Conservation Police at a farmstead in Whiteside County. A third cougar (male) was shot and killed in the Roscoe Village neighborhood in Chicago in April 2008. Another was killed by a bow hunter in Mercer County in 2004. A cougar was killed by a train in Randolph County in 2002. Round face short muzzle no fringe of furįringe of fur makes face appear rounded short muzzleĮrect Rounded no ear tufts backside of ear dark with no white spotĮrect tufts make ears appear pointed backside of ear dark with white spotĮrect or floppy variable ear shape and colorĢ1 to 35 inches carried low with curl at tipįour cougar carcasses have been confirmed in Illinois between 20. Tan with cream undersides adults and young have dark spots (may not always be visible on adults) Solid tan with cream undersides (young have dark spots) The chart below highlights the differences between the species most commonly mistaken for cougars. In addition to their large size, there are several distinguishing features of cougars that can help in positively identifying them. Photo: Michael Jeffords Bobcats are sometimes mistaken for cougars, but bobcats are much smaller and have spots and short tails. Cougars less than a year old have dark brown spots. The tail is long (up to half the total body length), thick, and tipped with black. The ears are rounded, and the back of the ears are solid black to dark gray. Description & IdentificationĬougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas, have a tan or tawny coat, with white or cream-colored chin, undersides, and inside of legs. If a cougar makes contact with you, always try to fight it off. If possible, go inside a building or get into a vehicle. If the cougar sees you, stand your ground look as large as possible by standing up straight and putting your arms up in the air and slowly back away. Respect the cougar’s space, and do not approach the animal. If you are in a group, gather everyone together if possible and move as a group. A cougar is not likely to attack a person unless it feels trapped or provoked or you appear to be prey (w hich is why you should not run). Make noise to ensure that the cougar is aware of your presence. (Puma concolor) What to Do If You See a Cougar Contact an IDNR District Wildlife Biologist.Repair Damage: What to Know Before Making Repairs.