Illinois Confirms Mountain Lion Prowling 2 Counties

Something rare has just occurred. Illinois has confirmed a mountain lion sighting and they say this big cat has been prowling across two counties in the southern part of the state.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a mountain lion has been sighted in Union and Jackson Counties in southern Illinois. Their post on social media earlier Thursday provided more details. This is something that doesn't happen everyday as this is only the 12th big cat sighting in the Land of Lincoln since 2002. Here are their exact words on this big cat in the southern part of the state:

"Mountain lions are rare visitors to the state. This is the 12th confirmed mountain lion in Illinois since 2002. Previous animals have been 2- to 3-year-old males, and DNA analysis suggests they dispersed from a western population, likely Nebraska and the Dakotas. If this is the case with the current mountain lion, it traveled a great distance without incident to reach southern Illinois."

Where are Jackson and Union Counties in Illinois?

This is Jackson County, Illinois and Union County is adjacent to it to the south.

Google Maps Satellite View

If a mountain lion is going to be anywhere in Illinois, the heavily-forested area in the Shawnee National Forest would be the most likely place. It's interesting that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says that mountain lions are not native to the state, but solitary animals like the one just confirmed are just passing through. Until a female with cubs is spotted, there's no proof these apex predators are making a habitat in Illinois. As of now, this is just one big kitty cat that's roaming in the southern part of the state. If you're planning outdoor activities in this part of Illinois anytime soon, this sighting is a good fact to keep in mind.