Minneapolis Animal Care and Control, along with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), are issuing a warning about a cougar living in and around the 1700 block of Logan Ave South.

“We advise people who are either enjoying this area around Cedar Lake 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. “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.”

According to the MN DNR, it is extremely rare to find cougars in Minnesota, even more so in urban areas like Minneapolis. The DNR and MACC are working together on tracking the cougar and remind the public that as a non-game animal, it is against the law to hunt the cougar.

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

“We encourage residents to report any general sightings to 311 or to the DNR directly at (651) 296-6157,” said Hairfield.

The following safety tips highlight what to do if 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.

If you are concerned about the presence of a cougar, consider the MN DNR’s safety guidelines:

• 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.

Cougars pose only a small risk to pets, but those risks can be minimized with some common sense and preventative measures:

• 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.

  

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control works with residents to create safe and healthy communities for people and animals. Its staff includes two veterinarians, three veterinary technicians, four animal care technicians and a dozen animal control officers who, among other things, rescue animals, enforce laws pertaining to animal welfare and investigate animal crimes. In addition to staff, volunteers spent more than 7,000 hours of their time working with animals at the shelter. More information on adopting animals, volunteering, and supporting Animal Care & Control is available on the City website.