Wisconsin Trapper Encounters Cougar, DNR Investigates

Trapper Kevin Edwardson came face to face with a cougar in a Wisconsin barn last week, in what could be the first confirmed cougar siting in the state in 100 years.  The animal fled from Edwardson after he followed its tracks into the old barn and spotted it in the hayloft.  Its tracks measured 3 1/2″ across and it had a running stride of 12 feet. 

Many cougar sightings have been reported in the state, but none have been confirmed over the past century or so.  DNR Wildlife Biologist Doug Fendry took urine and blood samples from the area, which will be tested to determine the genetics of the cat.  This may allow the state to determine whether this cougar was a captive animal or came from a wild population. 

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