Additional Sightings Of Cougar Reported In DuPage County Preserve

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL — After the first sighting on Friday in DuPage County's East Branch Forest Preserve in Glendale Heights, additional sightings of a cougar have been reported. The preserve said the cougar's presence remains unconfirmed, and IDNR and forest preserve officials continue to investigate.

"We have placed wildlife cameras at East Branch and adjacent forest preserves that may provide critical habitat for an animal that has a very large home range (over 100 miles)," said Erik Neidy, Director of Natural Resources at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. "We will monitor these cameras and the preserves for a few weeks and encourage residents and visitors to report sightings."

Patch reported on the story Friday when the forest preserve said a visitor notified the district of a possible cougar sighting on the west side of the Glendale Height's preserve. A Forest Preserve District police officer who responded to the call also reported seeing an animal that looked like a cougar, the preserve said in a release.

One report has already been debunked, according to the preserve. A local resident reported seeing a cougar at the entrance to York Woods early Monday on her community’s social media page, and the Forest Preserve District police responded. That animal turned out to be a coyote.

The preserve, including its off-leash dog area, will remain open. As a precaution, the Forest Preserve District has posted signs at the preserve and notified off-leash dog permit holders of the unconfirmed sightings.

Forest preserve visitors who think they see a cougar should not approach it. They should keep pets near them as they slowly leave the area, and report sightings to the IDNR at 847-608-3100. For preserve safety concerns, contact the Forest Preserve District police at 630-933-7240.

Photo by Neil McIntosh via Flickr Commons