A majestic mountain lion is an interesting watch on the wildlife discovery channel but it will always be a frightening encounter in person. Des Moines Police released a community alert on Facebook with a mountain lion sighting in the Grays Woods neighborhood. People were on edge after this unsettling warning that left them on the lookout for an untamed wild lion roaming the streets.
When DNR experts first viewed the video, they believed there was enough evidence to suggest that it was a mountain lion. They released a statement to warn the public before they carelessly put themselves out there as the animal’s supper.
After posting the alert, the DNR had second thoughts about the animal. They later confirmed that the animal is not a mountain lion and that it was actually an ordinary house cat.
Vince Evelsizer, Furbearer and Wetland Biologist of the Iowa DNR, said, “Initially, we did think it may be a mountain lion, at least enough so that it would be good to notify the public.” Evelsizer defended the organization saying the video was small and hard to conclude the type of animal. On behalf of the DNR, Evelsizer apologized for any confusion or panic caused by the misleading facts.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3512699705610746&t=9