Vet Reports Spotting Mountain Lion in Glencoe

A Winnetka resident and veterinarian told police he spotted a mountain lion just south of Lake Cook Road in Glencoe on Sunday, Nov. 25, Glencoe News reported. 

That’s the same day a Highland Park resident reported a possible cougar sighting. 

“I can definitely recognize a mountain lion,” veterinarian Bryan Haag, DVM, told Glencoe News Monday. “I’ve seen them before.” 

Chicago Botanic Garden security investigated the incident but only found coyotes, Glencoe News reported. Similarly, Highland Park police did not find any tracks or other evidence confirming the identification of the animal when they investigated the possible cougar sighting. 

Cougar-like sightings have also been reported near the Winnetka-Northfield Border, in Glencoe and also Highland Park in April, July, August and September. Over the summer, Glencoe installed cameras at Dell Beach hoping to catch a glimpse of the large cat but was unsuccessful. 

For a timeline of cougar sightings, read: North Shore Cougar Sightings 2012 

"The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advises that there are no sustained populations of cougars in Illinois; however, young cougars have been known to pass through the Midwest from their original region in the Black Hills of South Dakota," according to the statement from the City of Highland Park.

Cougars avoid populated areas and looking for deer to eat. You can deter cougars with bright, flashing white lights and loud noise.