There have been numerous unconfirmed cougar sightings in the northern Chicago suburbs recently. This happens every couple of years. Last time (2008) the police shot and killed the animal. I hope this one stays clear of humans. There's never been an instance of a cougar attacking a human in Illinois so I wish they'd just leave the animal alone. A least, if they don't want them roaming about residential areas, they should tranquilize it and relocate it back to the mountains rather than kill it.

Full story.

Are these cougars actually wild? Every time one is seen around here, it turns out to be an escaped or released "pet." Some people with too much money buy a cub (illegally) and then one day discover that a 120-pound cat isn't so cuddly or manageable, and then it gets set loose in the woods.

Cougar sightings? Near Chicago .................. wait for it ...........................

Can always count on you Larry...

The experts theorize the cats are following the Missouri River down from the Dakotas and then up the Mississippi briefly to the Illinois River. From there, they can follow the Illinois River all the way to near Chicago. They're probably crossing the MI River over the railroad bridges. The Desplaines River runs down from the northern Chicago suburbs and dumps into the Illinois River. Since all of those rivers are mostly wooded and undeveloped, they provide an unimpeded wildlife corridor from the Dakotas all the way to Chicago. Makes perfect sense if you think about it!

This member believes that cougars should be protected, and always kept well-fed and happy ....

we have a bad kitty hanging out in southern Michigan, its a pet killer.