The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has confirmed multiple sightings of a mountain lion in Jackson and Union counties.
IDNR officials believe the sightings involve the same animal.
The mountain lion is the 12th confirmed in Illinois since 2002. According to IDNR, previous mountain lions documented in the state have typically been two- to three-year-old males. DNA testing of previous animals indicated they came from western populations, likely from Nebraska and the Dakotas.
Mountain lions are not considered to have an established breeding population in Illinois, but individual animals occasionally travel into the state.
IDNR advises anyone who encounters a mountain lion to leave the animal alone and avoid approaching it.
Residents who believe they have spotted a mountain lion are encouraged to report the sighting online to IDNR wildlife biologists.