Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Rumors of cougar sightings around Silver Lake and North Manchester appear to be just that - rumors.
Since early July, a cougar or other breed of wild cat has reportedly been seen on both sides of County Line Road in Wabash and Kosciusko counties. Despite widespread claims of cougar sightings, neither the Department of Natural Resources nor the Kosciusko County animal control officer knows anything about the supposed wild animal on the prowl.
Claims of livestock killed by the animal also appear to be unsubstantiated.
The Times-Union received a report that Henry Brovont, North Manchester, had pigs killed by the cat. According to Brovont, he saw nothing that made him think it was a cougar, and he assumes it was a dog, though there is no proof either way.
Another North Manchester resident, whose veal barn was reportedly attacked, could not be reached for comment.
According to a spokeswoman for the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Indianapolis, it is highly unlikely for a cougar to be on the loose in Indiana. No wild cats, cougar or otherwise, with the exception of occasional bobcats, are native to Indiana. The possibility of it being an escaped pet is far-fetched as well, she said.
No one in either Wabash or Kosciusko counties holds permits to have a wild animal, the spokeswoman said.
