(Lakefield, Mn.)– Area residents are being told to keep an extra eye out on their pets and livestock following the reported sighting over the weekend of a cougar in Jackson county.
The big cat was sighted Saturday on the east edge of Lakefield.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, State Conservation Officer Mike Gruhlke and the Lakefield Police Department responded to the area of the reported sighting.
Residents are reminded that cougars are a protected animal. Any sightings should be reported to local law enforcement officials.
While cougars are known to be present in the Black Hills of western South Dakota, this is the first reported sighting of one in our area.
Unconfirmed sightings have been reported previously in southwest Iowa.
