Cougar Spotted In SW Minneapolis, DNR Concerned It May Be Traveling

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Animal Care and Control and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are warning residents about a cougar living in and around the 1700 block of Logan Avenue South in the city.

"That cat has been sighted near Kenwood Park and there is concern that it may be traveling through the Cedar Lake trail system near the Lake of the Isles," city officials said Tuesday at about 5 p.m.

DNR officials said it is extremely rare to find cougars in Minnesota, even more so in urban areas like Minneapolis.

The MACC and DNR are tracking the cougar and reminding the public that as a non-game animal, it is against the law to hunt the cougar.

"We advise people who are either enjoying this area around Lowry Hill neighborhood or live in the surrounding neighborhoods to be cautious with the confirmed presence of a cougar," said Minneapolis Animal Care and Control Director Caroline Hairfield in a news release.

"Parents of small children should pay increased attention when outside. Pet owners with small dogs or cats should supervise their animals when they are outdoors."

If there is a "proven public safety concern," DNR or other licensed officers are allowed to "remove" the cougar to protect public safety, officials noted.

Hairfield encouraged residents to report any general sightings to 311 or the DNR directly at (651) 296-6157.

The city provided the following safety tips for if you are confronted by a cougar:

• Don’t run! Running will provoke the predatory chasing behavior of cougars, as it would with other predators such as bears, coyotes, and wolves.
• Pick up small children or pets that are with you.
• Directly face the cougar, but look at the cougar’s feet, not directly into their eyes, to avoid appearing aggressive.
• If the cougar displays aggressive behavior try to appear larger—raise your arms or open your jacket over your head.
• Make noise by yelling, blowing a whistle or an air horn.
• If you have an umbrella, quickly open, and close it while facing the cougar.
• Do not approach the cougar. Give it ample space to run away—don’t corner it.
• If there are cubs, be careful not to get between them and their mother.

City officials said risks to small pets can be minimized by doing the following:

• Keep cats indoors and always supervise small pets when outside, especially from dusk to dawn. Be aware that cougars can jump 18 feet, so most fences will not protect unsupervised pets outside.
• Keep small pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs inside or in a secure enclosure that is covered on top.
• Minimize brush and cover in your yard that can provide hiding places for cougars.
• Walk your dog on a leash 6 feet long or less.

The DNR suggests the following tips for residents concerned about the cougar:

• Store trash in clean, well-secured containers. Wash trash cans to avoid attracting potential prey species such as raccoons.
• Don’t leave pet food outside. Either feed pets indoors or remove food immediately after they’ve eaten.
• Don’t feed deer or other wildlife that may attract cougars.
• Don’t compost meat scraps or other foods that would attract cougars or their prey.
• Trim vegetation around your house to avoid providing concealment for cougars as they rely on cover to ambush their prey. Your yard need not be completely barren, but it shouldn't include dense underbrush that would allow a cougar to hide undetected.
• Seal open areas under structures like porches, sheds and decks that can provide shelter for cougars or their prey.
• Install lighting or motion-sensor lighting in dark areas around the home to deter cougars and other wildlife.