FRIDAY 9-15-23
There is a rumor going around the community about cougars attacking domestic animals and killing livestock. I had the opportunity to speak directly with the MN DNR Regional Wildlife Manager, Dave Trauba, and it turns out they are really just stories that are being drummed up on social media to appease the drama driven individuals in the community. According to Trauba, “all sightings and reports of cougars are investigated and verified. The cougar in question lately, has not been “tagged or chipped” and we have no evidence a cougar was even involved”. Trauba stated that the Minnesota DNR has never chipped or radio-collared a cougar and or transplanted cougars from other states to Minnesota . Most reports of sightings come from Trail Cams which can be quite deceiving when looking at the footage alone. There have been many occasions that a reported cougar turns out to be just a cat, coyote or even a bobcat. The DNR takes great strides to identify and verify every report. Trauba stated “the DNR has confirmed a few cougars straying out of the Dakotas and moving through Minnesota. Yes wild cougars have been verified in Minnesota. These tend to be young males looking for suitable territories and these animals ultimately travel hundreds of not thousands of miles. The DNR has never documented a breeding or resident cougar population in the state”. I did a little research and did you know that in today’s society, viable, breeding cougar populations are found in just 16 states. Those states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Trauba wanted to stress the MN DNR does not have any type of program for capturing and releasing cougars in Minnesota or capturing those lone males as they move through Minnesota. “Any program to release any wild animal into unoccupied range would take years of public input and habitat analyses. The program would be transparent to the public”. Trauba stated the current elk project in northeast Minnesota as an example – years and years of research and public input.. If there is a question of whether or not a cougar attacked an animal the DNR sends out qualified agents to the field to look for signs and conclusive evidence. So, when you are reading your social media, or shooting the breeze in your coffee shop or bar and you hear that the MN DNR in Southeast MN have “lost track of a chipped cougar”, just know whoever is telling their tall tale, is off their rockers.
————————————————————–
The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association is suggesting that you Save the Date of December 15th and 16th for the Annual Convention at the Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria this year. The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association Convention and Trade Show Brings together Minnesota cattle producers, as well as many other beef industry stakeholders for educational opportunities, policy discussions, cattle industry focused trade show, fellowship and fun. There will be opportunities for Networking, Listening to top notch Guest Speakers, Best of Beef Banquet, a Silent and Live Auction and more! So mark your calendars for December 15th and 16th.
——————————————————————————————–
The Windom Public Library has some exciting news to share. According to Windom Public Library Director, Kari Hanson, the Library now has two chrome books that can be checked out for a week at a time, for anyone with a library card that has been in good standing for two months! Hanson went on to say that the Chromebooks were purchased by Plum Creek Library System with the Federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The new opportunities don’t end there. Hanson said there are also two History Kits available in video or audio form. These History Kits that were purchased by Plum Creek Library System were bought with the intention of families being able to record events or to put their loved one’s memories into an up-to-date format. The Kits can be used, for example, interviewing a grandparent with a special story they might have or an event to pass down for generations. If you are interested in either of the two new items come, check them out at the Windom Public Library located 904 4th Ave on the Downtown Square. Library hours are Monday’s 9am-7pm Tuesday through Friday 9am to 5:30pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm the library is closed on Sundays. If you want more information, give them a call at 831-6131.
———————————————————-
Ahhh September 15th… It is the Day of so many different National Days but I am tipping my FELT HAT today to National Double Cheeseburger Day- After all my most favorite singer Jimmy Buffett passed away on September 1st and I am still bummed THAT part of my life is over. Jimmy will forever live on in me as I sing along to Cheeseburger in Paradise, A Pirate looks at 40, Margaritaville, and It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere… There are soo many great tunes that I have listened to, as I myself, have taken those Trips Around the Sun. Dinner plans should include a toasted Cheese sandwich because YES today is National Cheese Toast Day…. And one last tid bit for you today… While you are at work or sitting around or just daydreaming YOU can’t get in trouble for doodling because all you have to say is TODAY I am celebrating National Doodle Day! Get out those writing utensils and put them to work and show those around you what is on your mind through a doodle!!!