Cam Winton, a Lowry Hill resident and organizer of the effort to preserve the cougar had this to say, “The big cat brought everyone in the neighborhood so much joy, and it was such a shame when he was hit by a Hummer on the highway. So, I wanted to put a happier ending on the story. I floated the idea to the DNR and Park Board and everyone in- volved was instantly supportive. A special shout-out to Park Board Commissioner Elizabeth Shaffer for her key support and guidance.” — Cam Winton, organizer of the taxidermy project, lives in Lowry Hill.
The mountain lion that was repeatedly spotted on camera in Minneapolis in early December will be featured in a new educational display hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB).
The Minneapolis Mountain Lion generated a lot of excitement and attention when it was spotted on camera and left footprints in the snow between Dec. 4 and Dec. 6, 2023. Unfortunately, a vehicle on Interstate 394 hit and killed the mountain lion on December 6.
“Many of us were captivated by the prospect of such a majestic animal living among us and were saddened to hear how it met its end,” said MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura. “Now, there is an opportunity to give the story a happier ending. I’m appreciative of the DNR and community members coming together to help educate future generations on the wonderful variety of wildlife that can be found in our city.”
The Minnesota DNR took custody of the mountain lion’s remains and is working with the MPRB to send it to a taxidermist. A tag on the lion’s ear revealed he had walked 650 miles from the Oglala National Grasslands in northwest Nebraska to Minneapolis in search of mates, territory and food.
The DNR, MPRB and interested supporters are collaborating to taxidermy the mountain lion and mount it as part of an educational display, which will be available at program facilities for all residents to see. The MPRB will share more as details are worked out.
Support the Minneapolis Mountain Lion Display
The MPRB is partnering with community members to help fund the upcoming display. People who would like to support the Minneapolis Mountain Lion display can write a check payable to “Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board” with “mountain lion” in memo line and send to:
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Attn: Customer Service – Mountain Lion
2117 West River Road North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
To use debit or credit card, please call MPRB Customer Service at 612-230-6400.
