Yes, there is a mountain

lion roaming in Iowa

A mountain lion has been spotted in Linn Grove and is confirmed
to be roaming in northwest Iowa.

Aaron Anderson of Linn Grove, Ia., caught a mountain lion on his trail camera

footage on Aug. 31, 2017, in the Buena Vista County town.

Vince Evelsizer, a furbearer biologist with the Iowa Department of

Natural Resources, told the Register on Wednesday that a mountain

lion was reportedly seen in southwest Clay County a few weeks ago.

"We don't know if that's the same cat or a different one," he said.

"This is all fairly random when they typically show up."

Aaron Anderson of Linn Grove caught a mountain lion on trail

camera footage in the tiny Buena Vista County town, which is

about 22 miles south of Clay County

Buena Vista County(red) in Northwest Iowa

In June, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources killed a

about 40 miles from Buena Vista County. Evelsizer said the

DNR isn't planning to seek it out unless there's "a perceived

threat to human safety" like the last cat.

The female Puma that was shot and killed
in June in Ida County

"The cat is staying out of trouble," Evelsizer said. "Respect

for the animals whenever and wherever possible is a first

priority. We highly encourage folks to give them their space.

And they often are so secretive they keep to themselves."

Since 1995, there have been 21 mountain lions in Iowa

confirmed by the DNR. Evelsizer said DNA results from the

mountain lion killed in June indicated that it originated from

Wyoming.

Ida County where the female Lion was shot dead in June

Mountain lions in Iowa generally come from

western South Dakota and Nebraska.

Mountain lions are not listed as a furbearer and have no

protected status in Iowa