Cougars in Minnesota? A rare discovery raises big questions.
A mother cougar and her three kittens were captured on a trail camera in northern Minnesota – an extraordinary discovery that could signal the return of a big cat that hasn’t been known to breed in the state for more than a century.
But where did these cougars come from? Are they establishing a permanent home in Minnesota? And what would their return mean for people, pets, livestock and other wildlife?
Minnesota Star Tribune outdoors reporter Greg Stanley and photojournalist Anthony Souffle traveled to the north woods near Voyageurs National Park to join researchers tracking these elusive animals. They share what they discovered, how scientists are following the cats’ movements and why this small cougar family could represent a turning point for Minnesota’s wildlife.
In this episode of Essential Minnesota, host Melissa Townsend explores the mystery of Minnesota’s returning cougars – and what it might take for humans and big cats to coexist.
Discover more about cougars in Minnesota and other stories at StarTribune.com or on the Star Tribune app.
#Minnesota #Cougars #wildlife
00:00 A rare cougar family discovered in Minnesota
01:28 Why these sightings are different
02:45 How researchers discovered the kittens
07:50 What happened to Minnesota’s cougars?
10:00 Tracking cougars in the north woods
13:30 The search takes an unexpected turn
16:00 Evidence of a resident cougar family
17:45 Where did Minnesota’s cougars come from?
19:20 How Minnesotans are reacting
21:15 Can cougars and people coexist?
24:15 Are cougars back in Minnesota for good?
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