2023-12-06 14:14:00
MINNEAPOLIS — A motorist struck and killed a cougar on a highway in the west metro area.
A video, posted Wednesday morning on Facebookshows what appears to be an SUV with heavy front-end damage and a dead cougar on the side of the road.
The driver tells WCCO that the crash took place in Golden Valley on Interstate 394 near Highway 100. The driver is sore, but doing OK.
Video shows what appears to be a cougar on side of the road in Golden Valley following a crash.
Nathan Kmet
The incident comes days following a cougar was spotted roaming through the Lowry Hill neighborhood of Minneapolis. City officials believe it was traveling on popular trails near Lake of the Isles.
It is not known whether this is the same cougar that was killed on the interstate.
Cougars are rarely seen in the state but occasionally do appear, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Since 2004, there have been 77 verified cougar sightings.
A resident, Kristi, shared video with WCCO that showed the big cat.
Kristi
Conservation officials guess that the cougar traveled from the Western Dakotas or Northwestern Nebraska, as there isn’t an established population of the animal in Minnesota.
If you encounter a cougar, you’re advised to “make yourself appear larger and speak loudly and firmly” to scare them off, the DNR said. Do not shoot the animal, as they are a protected species.
The DNR says anyone who sees the animal should report the encounter to a conservation officer or local law enforcement officials so evidence can be documented. You can also call the DNR directly at 651-296-6157.
This is a developing story, so check back for more.
Cole Premo
Read More
1701872397
#Cougar #struck #motorist #killed #Golden #Valley #interstate
