Watch rare glimpse of a cougar in the upper Midwest with this ‘super clear’ video

The footage of a large cat seen roaming northern Minnesota is “super clear” — so researchers say there’s no disputing this “kitty” is a cougar.

The mountain lion was spotted on Oct. 20 via a trail camera placed by the Voyageurs Wolf Project in the southern part of the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem, according to a Nov. 3 news release.

While the University of Minnesota research project has captured many videos of wolves and other wildlife, this was the first time its researchers have recorded a wild cougar in the ecosystem.

“And not only did we document a cougar but got very nice clear footage of the animal,” project lead Thomas Gable said in a statement.

The Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem includes Voyageurs National Park and the southerly adjacent area.

Cougars in Minnesota

Cougars, also known as mountain lions and pumas, are “rarely seen but occasionally do appear” throughout the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Since 2004, state wildlife officials have verified 59 wild cougar observations. The data was last updated on March 14, and it includes camera photos, confirmed tracks, dead animals and other verification.

“While evidence might suggest the animal’s prevalence is increasing, the number of verified cougar observations indicate that cougar occurrence in Minnesota is a result of transient animals from the Western Dakotas,” officials said.

Young males have been known to travel long distances from their breeding populations, particularly when their populations reach capacity. There is no evidence of any breeding population in Minnesota, according to the state department.

“It is difficult to predict whether or when enough dispersing animals – both males and females – might settle in Minnesota and establish a small population,” officials said.

Mountain lions in Minnesota are protected under state law, meaning only public safety officials are legally allowed to kill a cougar that’s an “imminent threat to humans.” It is illegal to kill a cougar to protect pets and livestock.

If you see a mountain lion, you should make yourself appear bigger by holding your arms up and waving them around. Authorities say you should talk loudly, throw rocks or sticks and continue to face it directly.

“If actually attacked, hit the animal in the face and head with anything handy,” officials said. “Don’t run, crouch or lay down. Try and stay above the animal and give the animal a clear escape route.”

Any cougar sightings should be reported to an area wildlife office or conservation officer.

This story was originally published November 3, 2022 at 7:53 AM with the headline "Watch rare glimpse of a cougar in the upper Midwest with this ‘super clear’ video."