Mountain Lion, Cougar Sightings

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Posted: 3:45 PM Nov 6, 2008
Last Updated: 4:08 PM Nov 6, 2008
Reporter: Jodi Baker
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

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A railroad worker says he spotted a mountain lion near Blair late Wednesday night. Now, police and animal control officers say they saw a cougar in the Ponca Hills area. Over the past month, others have reported similar sightings in the Omaha metro.

A couple weeks ago, authorities searched the area of 9800 Fort Calhoun Road, after an alleged mountain lion sighting. Around the same time, several home owners living near Glenwood, Iowa reported seeing one.

"It's been nearly four years since we've been able to validate with solid evidence an actual mountain lion sighting in the state," said Ron Andrews, Rurbearer Resource Specialist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

"I still get an average of about three reports a week, scattered throughout the state," he told Channel 6 News. Often, Andrews says, people confuse large dogs, or even bobcats, with mountain lions.

However, he doesn't discount that a handful of mountain lions may have migrated toward Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa. Typically, he says, it wouldn't be in search of food, but in search of mates.

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Posted by: Farm Boy on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:35 PM
I grew up on a farm in Iowa with regular Bobcats in the area. Mountain Lions and Bobcats are two completely different animals but with one thing in common, fear of man. Killing the animal is completely ridiculous as it isn't a ravenous beast in search of food, merely searching for a mate according to the Iowa DNR. Relocation or removal would be appropriate. Humans are such stupid creatures to just KILL something that they fear. Animals don't plan and conceive ill will and lie...that's what humans do. Hollywood teaches us to fear wild animals when in fact they fear us more and should. “Concerned Mom” needs an education, how would you like to be shot the next time you go looking for a date or to the grocery store? We are connected in the big picture, without animals, humans will die, think about it...

Posted by: Concerned Mom on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:05 AM
You are right this is a wild animal, and it will go wherever it wants to find food. And I understand not wanting to kill such a beautiful animal, but my children that play outside in this area where my neighbors have spotted or reported spotting a mountain lion are far more treasured than this wild animal. So I suport killing this animal if it is spotted out here near my home.

Posted by: Charlie on Nov 8, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Hey I would rather see one of these than a loose Pit-Bull.

Posted by: Steve on Nov 7, 2008 at 11:16 AM
To Amy.....this is a WILD ANIMAL & will go wherever it wants to find food. Could even be your dog, your cat, deer, turkey & so on. Chances are they would NOT kill this cat, just tranquilize it. TAKE IT EASY ! ! !

Posted by: Amy on Nov 6, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Please don't kill this animal!! I just hate hearing how you all hunt these animals down; more than the people who are killing other people in Omaha. Save our money!! The animals were here before we were and the reason they are in that area is because of the high population of dear and turkey...fine dinner for a cat of this size. Or at least if you do find it; please don't kill it; tranquilize it and take it where ever man won't hurt it. Please, please, please!!