SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says after several days of tracking and observing a mountain lion on the west side of Springfield, the agency made the decision Friday to tranquilize the animal and transport it to a sanctuary specializing in the care of large felines.
Wildlife experts and public safety officials from IDNR, the Illinois Conservation Police, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, and the Springfield Police Department determined that the mountain lion, or cougar, that had strayed into residential and business areas of Springfield posed an imminent threat to residents and property and therefore needed to be removed.
The animal, which is wearing a GPS collar, made its way to Illinois from Nebraska. It was detected by satellite in western Springfield Wednesday morning.
IDNR officials spoke with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on Friday, who declined an offer to send the mountain lion back to their state.
According to a post on the IDNR’s Facebook page, USDA WS staff tranquilized the mountain lion around noon on Friday. It was transported to the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, a 260-acre feline sanctuary in Center Point, Indiana that provides homes and veterinary care for large and exotic cats.
“Thank you to our hardworking wildlife staff and conservation police and our partners across federal, state, and local agencies for handling this difficult situation with the professionalism and care that this beautiful wild animal and concerned residents deserve,” said IDNR Director Colleen Callahan. “I am confident that the mountain lion will be protected and cared for at its new home. I also want to thank the families of Springfield for being cautious and keeping their distance while our experts worked to ensure the safety of the community and the mountain lion.”
