Authorities are on the lookout for what may be a cougar in Kenosha County.
Two Wheatland residents contacted the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and reported that they heard, then saw a cougar in a wooded area behind a residence in the 35600 block of 52nd Street.
Both residents told authorities that it was a large cat consistent with a North American mountain lion or cougar. They said the cat appeared to be looking around and walking back and forth before retreating back into the woods.
One of the residents said her chickens have gone missing over the past few days, but wasn’t sure if it was related to the possible cougar sighting.
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources game warden and a Department of Natural Resources biologist were called to the scene to attempt to verify the report.
The Sheriff’s Department sent out a reverse emergency phone call to area residents within a three mile radius to warn of the possible cougar sighting. Residents were urged to use caution with children, livestock and pets in outside areas and yards.
Anyone who sees the animal is encouraged to stay away and report the incident.
Cougars have been known to travel to areas in the Midwest outside of their natural habitat.
