What you should do if you see cougar

All was quiet on the big cat front in Lake County, but health officials offered advice and assistance should the creature reappear.

"Our role, we feel is to serve as a resource," said Leslie Piotrowski, spokeswoman for the Lake County Health Department.

What has been described as a large cat, possibly a cougar, was reported last weekend in North Chicago and Thursday in Round Lake Park. Police officers in both towns were among the witnesses.

No physical evidence to positively identify the animal has been found. A cast of a paw print taken by North Chicago police was said to be that of a dog, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

But officials stress that doesn't mean the reports were unfounded. An animal observed near Milton, Wis., earlier this year and near Elkhorn, Wis., last month has been identified as a cougar.

Piotrowski said the health department staff is prepared to make casts of paw prints, and ask residents to report sightings to local police or the department's animal control facility at (847) 949-9925.

Residents are also encouraged to take photos or video of the animal or its tracks if it can be done safely.

Residents are asked to record the time and location, and place a tape measure near the track and include it in the photo to help determine the size of the animal.

Digital photos can be e-mailed to madam@co.lake.il.us.

Here are some general descriptions of animals that may be found in the area:

Cougar: Long, slender, smallish head and noticeably long tail. Three to 4 feet in length, tail up to 3 feet long. Color is light, tawny brown, which can appear gray or darker depending on light conditions. Males weigh 115 to 160 pounds, females slightly less. Primarily active at dawn and dusk.

Bobcat: From 30 to 50 inches long, about 2 feet high and weigh 15 to 30 pounds. Reddish brown fur above and whitish below with black spots or streaks throughout the coat. Stubby, short tail. Tufts of fur in their ears make them appear pointed.

Coyote: Size and shape of a medium-sized collie, but tail is round and bushy and carried straight out below the level of its back. Weighs 15 to 45 pounds and is 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder.