Confirmed mountain lion observation in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Neb. -- A mountain lion was spotted and confirmed a northeast Nebraska community late Saturday.

Sam Wilson, furbearer program manager with the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, said that on Sunday the organization confirmed a mountain lion had been in the area. 

Wilson said that the mountain lion was observed near midnight on Saturday, and their biologist and conservation officer investigated the animal's prints on Sunday. 

The conservation officer was able to confirmed there was a mountain due to the animal's tracks in the snow. 

Wilson said they don't know where the mountain lion traveled after its Norfolk appearance.

Young adult mountain lions from western areas travel out to find their own territories, and they often venture between three and 20 miles a day. 

Wilson asks that if anyone sees the mountain lion, that they use common sense and don't approach the animal. 

The Nebraska Games and Parks page provides information on steps to take if a mountain lion is spotted.

If anyone sees the animal in town, they are asked to call the local police department and Nebraska Games and Parks to notify them of the animal. If the animal is seen outside of town, in the wild, Nebraska Games and Parks will take a call to have record of the animal.