Game Commission Says Mountain Lion Spotted

Valentine Man Has Photos, Measurements Of Tracks

POSTED: 1:28 PM CST January 8, 2004

UPDATED: 1:41 PM CST January 8, 2004

VALENTINE, Neb. -- The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission confirmed Thursday that tracks found about a mile east of Valentine in north-central Nebraska were made by a mountain lion.

The tracks were reported to the Commission by John Michalek of Valentine on Tuesday. He notified commission wildlife biologist Tom Krolikowski and a site visit followed.

After reviewing Krolikowski's measurements and photos of the tracks, commission furbearer specialist Richard Bischof determined they were undisputedly made by a mountain lion.

Krolikowski said the abundance and freshness of sign aided in the immediate determination. He said hopefully this lion is on the move and has moved away from Valentine.

The commission encourages people to report sightings of mountain lions or signs of activity.

This is the 14th confirmed mountain lion occurrence in Nebraska since 1991. The last confirmed observation was that of a mountain lion captured in Omaha. That lion (pictured, left) is now a resident at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo.

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November 20, 2003: Farmer Claims Puma Killed Sheep
November 7, 2003: Puma In Lincoln? Couple Says Yes, Officials Say No
October 27, 2003: Iowa Farm Family Shoots Mountain Lion
October 23, 2003: Filly May Have Been Killed By Mountain Lion In Rural Scotts Bluff County
October 17, 2003: Police Taking More Calls About Mountain Lion
October 13, 2003: Link: Tips For Mountain Lion Sightings
October 13, 2003: Memorial Park Neighbors Cautious After Spotting Mountain Lion