The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, after several days of tracking and observing a mountain lion on the west side of Springfield, made the decision a few days ago to tranquilize the animal and transport it to a sanctuary specializing in the care of large felines.

The mountain lion has now been transported to Clay County.

Wildlife experts and public safety officials from IDNR, the Illinois Conservation Police, the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services (USDA WS), and the Springfield Police Department determined that the mountain lion, or cougar, that had strayed into residential and business areas of Springfield posed an imminent threat to residents and property and therefore needed to be removed.

The animal, which is wearing a GPS collar and made its way to Illinois from Nebraska, was detected by satellite in western Springfield. IDNR officials conferred with their counterparts at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, who declined an offer to send the mountain lion back to their state.

USDA WS staff tranquilized the mountain lion around noon on Friday and  transported the animal to the Exotic Feline Rescue Center (ERFC), a 260-acre feline sanctuary in Center Point,in Clay County, that provides homes and veterinary care for large and exotic cats.

“Thank you to our hardworking wildlife staff and conservation police and our partners across federal, state, and local agencies for handling this difficult situation with the professionalism and care that this beautiful wild animal and concerned residents deserve,” said IDNR Director Colleen Callahan. “I am confident that the mountain lion will be protected and cared for at its new home. I also want to thank the families of Springfield for being cautious and keeping their distance while our experts worked to ensure the safety of the community and the mountain lion.”