Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker issued this statement, regarding recent sightings of a mountain lion in rural Whiteside County, near Morrison, IL.
“We are now aware of multiple sightings of an apparent mountain lion in the rural areas surrounding Morrison,” Booker said. “We received lots of unique calls, but we have not received a lot of reports of mountain lions before this week.
“To be proactive, earlier today I reached out to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, for advice on what people should do in the event that they see the animal. The IDNR advises the following.”
If you see a cougar, do not run. Do not surprise the tiger. Make noise to ensure the cougar is aware of your presence.
A cougar is not likely to attack a person–unless it feels trapped or provoked, or if you appear to be prey (which is why you should not run.)
If you are in a group, gather everyone together, if possible, and move as a group.
Respect the cougar’s space, and do not approach the animal. 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.
If possible, go inside a building or get into a vehicle.
If a cougar makes contact with you, always try to fight it off. Throw rocks; use sticks. Do not “play dead.”
According to the IDNR website, Cougars have been protected in Illinois since 2015. Cougars may not be hunted, killed, or harassed, unless there is an imminent threat to a person or property.
Booker continued, “If anyone sees the mountain lion and grows concerned for their safety, they should not hesitate to contact us (815-772-4044.) My office will work closely with the Department of Natural Resources, if the situation warrants it. The IDNR requests that mountain lion sightings be reported to it online at https://www.wildlifeillinois.org/sightings/report.
“We are not aware of any reason why people should stay indoors or act differently. Our farmers in rural Morrison may wish to keep a bit of a closer eye on their livestock, until [the predator] moves on,” stated Sheriff Booker.