DNR Confirms Mountain Lion Sighting In Iowa - KCCI Des Moines

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POSTED: 1:59 pm CDT September 27, 2011
UPDATED: 2:43 pm CDT September 27, 2011

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials said a photo captured during the past week of an animal on a trail camera, is a mountain lion.The photo was taken in Clinton County, which is along the Mississippi River north of the Quad Cities."When it comes to mountain lions, Iowa tends to be a place to pass through, but not to stay. It is very likely this animal will keep moving, if it's even still in the area, and will keep to itself," said Vince Evelsizer, a DNR wildlife biologist.Officials said the mountain lion is likely a young male that has been pushed from its native area by older, dominant males. Mountain lions have the ability to move several hundred miles in a short period of time, said Evelsizer.The DNR receives reports of mountain lion sightings, but only a small percentage are confirmed.Officials said that if you do see a mountain lion that you should stand tall, look big, scream loudly and throw objects. No fatal mountain lion attacks have been reported in Iowa. If attacked, officials said fight back vigorously with sharp objects and poke the eyes of the animal.