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Local NewsCougar On The Prowl, Twin Lakes Residents SwearBy Michael George
TWIN LAKES - A quiet, Twin Lakes neighborhood doesn't seem like the natural habitat for a mountain lion, but residents are certain that's what they saw last week.
Several neighbors swear they witnessed a young mountain lion roaming in their backyards. While police haven't found the animal, many think this sighting is the real deal.
"I believe it, yes," said neighbor Patty McCaffrey.
It wouldn't be the first time a mountain lion, also known as a cougar or puma, appeared in the area. Last year, the DNR confirmed mountain lion tracks 40 miles from Twin Lakes, in the town of Milton.
Also last year, a mountain lion was killed while wandering in Chicago's north side.
The latest sighting is the talk of the town in Twin Lakes.
"I thought it was cool. They used to be in Wisconsin, and I think it's cool they're working their way back this way," said neighbor Dawn Calkins.
Calkins car happened to be filled with boxes of cat food when TODAY'S TMJ4 caught up with her. But she says it's not for the mountain lion.
"We haven't gone searching for it. They move so far and so fast that if I see it, I'll just consider myself lucky," Calkins said.
Not everyone is excited about the visitor. Mountain lions rarely attack humans, but they eat almost any animal they can catch. That has dog owners concerned.
"I don't want to see it up close and personal," said Patty McCaffrey.
The DNR and Twin Lakes police are asking anyone who spots a mountain lion to call and report it right away.
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