Mountain lion found dead in southern Illinois, IDNR investigating

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JACKSON COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) – A young male mountain lion that had been spotted in southern Illinois over the past two months has been found dead, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

IDNR said a hunter discovered the animal’s remains in Jackson County near the Union County line and notified conservation police.

Conservation police and an IDNR wildlife biologist confirmed the animal’s death.

Samples were collected and will be submitted for genetic analysis. Conservation police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, although foul play was not immediately suspected.

According to IDNR, the animal is the 12th confirmed mountain lion in Illinois since 2002.

Mountain lions are rare visitors to Illinois. Previous confirmed animals have been males between 2 and 3 years old, with DNA analysis suggesting they traveled from western populations, likely in Nebraska and the Dakotas.

Mountain lions have been protected in Illinois since 2015. State law prohibits hunting, killing or harassing the animals unless they pose an imminent threat to people or property.

IDNR advises anyone who encounters a mountain lion or other large carnivore to leave the animal alone and report the sighting to wildlife biologists.

Residents who believe a mountain lion poses a threat to their safety or property are encouraged to contact IDNR for guidance.