possible Cougar in North Chicago! (home, agriculture, park)

[rgb123]

A 'very big cat' is on the loose in North Chicago, authorities say -- Agriculture, Lake County (Illinois) -- chicagotribune.com

[WLUTZ]

Might be........

But probably a bobcat that's been hanging around Fermi Lab.

[Northwoods Voyager]

Still referring to the cat as a cougar. 7' long and weighing 300 ls. which makes no sense. Male cougars do grow to 7' in length but 175 lbs. is usually the top weight for them. More sightings according to the news.

[Steve-o]

You know, part of the reason why I enjoy the outdoors up here so much is the fact that I dont have to worry about a goshdanged thing (wildlife wise) when Im out hiking or herping. Now with more and more cougars being sighted around here, and a burgeoning coyote community, Im feeling more and more on edge as I set off into the woods to hike.

[WLUTZ]

Steve-o, coyotes want absolutely nothing to do with humans. I'm sure it's ingrained in their psyche all the persecution they endured in the past.

And your chances of encountering a roaming young male cougar in this area is extremely slim. Although it appears the chances are increasing a little in the past couple years. Plenty of deer for them though.........

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by WLUTZ

Steve-o, coyotes want absolutely nothing to do with humans. I'm sure it's ingrained in their psyche all the persecution they endured in the past.

And your chances of encountering a roaming young male cougar in this area is extremely slim. Although it appears the chances are increasing a little in the past couple years. Plenty of deer for them though.........

I know my chances are slim, but its still a bit spooky, especially at dusk when Im out hiking. More than once Ive had to hurry my pace after hearing coyotes in the near distance. I know they dont attack humans, but Im not gonna stick around to find out. Ive seen many of their fresh deer kills though, some so fresh that flies hadnt even began to congregate. Kinda spooky.

[LakeShoreSoxGo]

Man conquered the wood thousands of years ago. You can do the same!

[rgb123]

I have seen some unidentified four legged forms on the prairie trail around glacial park and Mchenry. Also, on that same path last summer I was riding my bike, something chased me when I rode by. It growled and leaped at me and ran after me (I saw it sorta waiting all curled up and it pounced as I got near enough!). I pedalled so hard I almost had a heart attack!! It looked like a wild or rabid dog but I am not sure what it was! It freaked me out....I do hear what sounds like coyotes at night.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by rgb123

I have seen some unidentified four legged forms on the prairie trail around glacial park and Mchenry. Also, on that same path last summer I was riding my bike, something chased me when I rode by. It growled and leaped at me and ran after me (I saw it sorta waiting all curled up and it pounced as I got near enough!). I pedalled so hard I almost had a heart attack!! It looked like a wild or rabid dog but I am not sure what it was! It freaked me out....I do hear what sounds like coyotes at night.

Did you have to change your pants? I know I would have!

[rgb123]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Did you have to change your pants? I know I would have!

I was really freaked out by it! It was kinda funny actually, how fast you can go when the ol' instincts kick in! I just remember how fast my heart was going! Was one of my better work-out days! Luckily the dog/wolf/coyote gave up as I tore out of there! It did seem as scared of me as I of it. It saw me coming and almost tripped me off my bike, fangs glaring, barking and growling but seemed to retreat once I got about 10 feet past it. Of course I did not slow down! Luckily it wasn't too far for me to get to an opening near the road and civilization.

It didn't really look like a normal dog, the way it was curled up and ready to pounce on me. It was kinda gray and brown, and all wild eyed! It was the size of a dog.

I sure would like to know what it was, and if there is a pack of wild dogs running around! I did see something there while driving home the other night. Looked like a large dog or wolf or something.