What to Know
Mountain lions are rare in the state of Illinois, with only a dozen confirmed reports in the last 25 years Most mountain lions in the state have arrived from elsewhere, especially the northern Great Plains Experts are offering tips to keep residents safe in the event they encounter a mountain lion in the wildConservation officials are alerting the public to a series of confirmed mountain lion sightings in southwestern Illinois in recent weeks.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, it is believed the same mountain lion has been seen multiple times in Union and Jackson counties, located in the southwest portion of the state near the Shawnee National Forest.
www.facebook.com/IllinoisDNR/posts/pfbid02CpoWimqux8VpANgW94cPG6NHbr79s3VW1V1WeG4XVX1jSL7QrKEwPJPU2m1Mw5xLlOfficials say mountain lion sightings are exceedingly rare, as it marks just the 12th confirmed mountain lion within the state’s borders in the last 25 years.
In many of those previous instances, DNA analysis of the animals have indicated they were born and reared in Nebraska and the Dakotas, and made their way across multiple states to get into Illinois.
In recent years those mountain lions have even been observed in the Chicago area, including one that was shot and killed in the Rogers Park neighborhood in Chicago. Another was struck and killed by a vehicle on Interstate 88 in DeKalb County in 2022, according to officials.
Typically male mountain lions can grow to between five-to-eight feet long, weighing between 110-to-160 pounds and standing approximately 30 inches tall at their shoulder. Females are typically slightly smaller, according to experts.
If anyone sees a mountain lion, they are urged to report that sighting to IDNR. They are also strongly advised to leave the animal alone and to try to avoid direct contact.
The biggest piece of advice many experts offer in the event of encountering a mountain lion is to never run. That can trigger a mountain lion’s predator response, and it will likely give chase in that situation.
Mountain lions aren’t likely to attack unless they feel trapped or provoked, so residents are urged to make noise to ensure the animal is aware of their presence. Try to give it as much space as possible, but in the unlikely event the mountain lion approaches or attacks, residents are always urged to fight back. Playing dead is not recommended.
Finally, experts note Illinois law protects mountain lions from hunting, and it is illegal to kill or harass a mountain lion unless it poses an imminent threat to person or property.
More information can be found on the IDNR website.
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