Posted on 11/17/2011 5:31:11 AM PST by SJackson
MENOMONEE FALLS- A word of caution for hunters from the Department of Natural Resources. They say there's a cougar on the loose. And they want everyone to keep their eyes open.
This is the latest trail snapshot of a cougar roaming around Rusk-Taylor County line - east of Hawkins.
Evidence deer hunters aren't alone this hunting season.
"Cougars you know are stalkers. They would size me up if they're interested in taking me down," Jim Fetters, a longtime hunter says. DNR officials say there are only 13 documented cougar attacks on humans in the last 100 years.
But, they are still putting out a word of caution. "If you were to see a cougar, stay in groups, make loud noise. Basically scare the animal off," says DNR Wildlife Biologist Tim Lizotte. By looking at the photos, DNR officials guess this big cat is a young male.
"Male probably because it's traveling long distances. Our nearest breeding population of cougars is Black Hills of South Dakota," says Lizotte.
That's about 600 miles away. The DNR says, he's now been seen roaming west central and Northern Wisconsin.
He could even be in the Flambeau State Forest or Price County now. "We think they're on the search for good habitat, good territory and also probably looking to where they'll be other cougars," Lizotte says.
That's why some hunters are making sure they keep their eyes open on their big hunting trip.
"A cougar is something to really pay attention too. I mean they are very powerful and they'll take your game from you," John Argenzio, a longtime hunter says. Now, the DNR says not to shoot the cougar. They are a protected species. But, if you do see one to contact the nearest DNR office.
“Bang, bang, bang... Shhhh!”
That is exactly how I would handle it, Smokin’ Joe! No way I am staying huddled in some group, ARMED... and sing musicals to make enough noise to scare away a Cougar.
--in all due respect for your being on the same side of the firearms situation as I am--could you cite ONE example of this?
—according to my brother-in-law—(a retired deputy sheriff who does know mountain lion from a housecat) there are verifiable sightings in Grant County, (Wisconsin) too-—
Is your finger broken? Your search engine down? Did you invest in GREEN technology? Are you on Food Stamps?
Yeah... I just read Demi Moore is divorcing Ashton!
I found the DNR's admonition to hunters not to shoot the cougar entertaining. I understand what they're saying, I guess, but one cougar, their estimate, isn't much of a threat. He's a better chance of being hit by a car.
I wonder if the cougar warnings might mean there’s now a market for orange safety vests with googly-eyes sewn on the back? Hmmmmm.....
You are either at the top of the food chain, or you’re bait. Our ancestors made that choice, and for some unfathomable reason, people who live elsewhere are trying to change the roles for us.
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