March 29, 2024

Iowa agency investigates report of cougar

EVANSDALE — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is warning people to stay away from potentially dangerous wildlife after an Evansdale woman said she spotted a cougar. Rita Kelley of Waterloo saw the animal on Tuesday night while walking with her husband. She snapped a photo of the animal she says walked like a cat and sent it to the agency. DNR spokesman Joe Wilkinson says the picture will be sent to a specialist for verification.

He says there is little danger to residents since cougars tend to avoid people.

Wilkinson says there are a few cougars in eastern Iowa but that confirmed sightings are rare.