The cougars are coming out in Wisconsin - what to do if you spot one

Get ready – cougar season has begun.

While it’s rare see a cougar in Wisconsin, multiple spotting have already been reported, especially near Beloit.

Beloit police say a fisherman spotted one of the big cats near the Rock River, though officers never got a chance to confirm it.

The Wisconsin DNR says that if a cougar does approach, you should stand tall, wave your arms, throw objects and yell. The DNR recommends to slowly back away from the cougar – keeping an eye on the cat at the same time.

The cougar – also known as a puma, mountain lion or panther – are native to Wisconsin. However, hundreds of years of hunting have reduced their population. Now, spotting a cougar is rare.

The DNR asks that if you spot a cougar that you fill out their

.

Learn more about cougars in our state

.