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Weather Alert

Weather Alert

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT /8 PM EDT/
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Daily heat index values of 100 to 107.

* WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western
Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT /8 PM EDT/ Friday.

* IMPACTS...Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity
may cause heat illnesses.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The first prolonged stretch of heat and
humidity of the season will amplify health impacts. Health impacts
will build with each successive day in the heat and humidity.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose
fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning
or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and
heat stroke.

&&

Mountain Lion crossing Illinois moved to Indiana big cat sanctuary

  • Updated
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UPDATE: October 28, 2022

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says after several days of tracking and observing the mountain lion, they made the decision to tranquilize the animal. The animal has been moved to a sanctuary specializing in the care of large felines.

Wildlife experts determined the cat had strayed into residential and business areas of Springfield and posed an imminent threat to residents. 

The animal, which is wearing a GPS collar and has made its way to Illinois from Nebraska, is being taken to the Exotic Feline Rescue Center (ERFC), a 260-acre feline sanctuary in Center Point, Indiana 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.�

ORIGINAL STORY: October 27, 2022

(WSIL) -- The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is tracking a mountain lion moving across the state. 

On October 17, a young male mountain lion was spotted moving through central Illinois. The animal was captured and fitted with a GPS collar by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in November of 2021.

As of Wednesday, October 25, the mountain lion was detected on the western edge of Springfield. 

Illinois conservation police and wildlife biologists are monitoring the situation.

The animal has traveled to Illinois from Nebraska with no reported conflicts with humans, including when it passed through the outskirts of Lincoln, Nebraska

Remember, mountain lions are protected in Illinois, and it’s unlawful to hunt, kill or harass them unless they pose an imminent threat to a person or property, which rarely happens.

However, should you encounter a mountain lion and the animal does not immediately flee, remember to stand tall, wave your arms, throw stones or other objects, and yell. Do not run � slowly back away from the location, keeping an eye on the animal.

IDNR will continue to monitor reports in accordance with the agency’s large carnivore response plan and work to mitigate threats to public safety and property. For more information about mountain lions in Illinois, visit .