The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the big cat spotted in Washington County this week was a cougar.
This is the second cougar sighting in Colgate, Wisconsin, not far from Menomonee Falls where a big cat was also spotted. The cougar was spotted in Colgate on Feb. 7.
A cougar has also been spotted in Brookfield and Fond du Lac County. The DNR believes the sightings are all of the same cougar.
Earlier this week the DNR said the cougar has likely come and gone, off looking for a mate.
DNR Large Carnivore Specialist Scott Walter told TODAY'S TMJ4 there have been 11 cougar sightings in the area since January.
- Jan. 5: Fond du Lac County (Rosendale)
- Jan. 17: Dodge County (Waupun)
- Jan. 18: Fond du Lac County (Oakfield)
- Feb. 6: Washington County (Germantown)
- Feb. 7: Washington County (Colgate)
- Feb. 16: Waukesha County (Wales)- probable cougar tracks
- Feb. 18: Waukesha County (Brookfield)
- Feb. 18: Waukesha County (Brookfield)- probable cougar tracks
- Feb. 18: Milwaukee County (Wauwatosa)
- Feb. 23: Waukesha County (Menomonee Falls)
- March 13: Washington County (Colgate)
The DNR has said the cougar is a protected animal and reminded residents not to hunt the cougar.
If you believe you have seen a cougar, the DNR asks that you fill out itsLarge Mammal Observation Formto report the sighting.
