RHINELANDER, Wis. — Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources biologists have confirmed two cougar sightings in Langlade County in northern Wisconsin.

On July 27, the department received a trail camera photo from a Langlade County landowner of a cougar taken July 9.

This cougar was captured on a trail camera in Langlade County July 9, 2015.
(contributed photo)

On Aug. 3, a second Langlade County landowner submitted a trail camera photo of a cougar – this photo was also taken July 9.

This cougar was captured on a trail camera in Langlade County July 9, 2015
(contributed photo)

After site evaluations, DNR staff confirmed the location of each photo. These photos were taken roughly six miles apart at a 20-hour interval.

Genetic evidence suggests cougars known to have entered Wisconsin are male cougars dispersing from a breeding population in the Western United States. There is currently no evidence that cougars are breeding in Wisconsin.

Cougars are a protected species in Wisconsin and hunting is not allowed. Cougars are not considered a threat to public safety, and in the unlikely event that a person is confronted by a cougar, face the animal and spread your arms and open your coat or jacket to appear larger. If a cougar approaches, make noise and throw rocks or sticks.

Individuals who observe cougars in Wisconsin are urged to report their findings using the Rare Mammal Observation form. For more information, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “cougar.”