Meet Vince Evelsizer - DNR Furbearer and Wetlands Biologist
Vince received a B.S. in Wildlife from the University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point, as well as a M.S. in Wildlife Sciences from Clarion University of PA. As the furbearer program leader, Vince oversees the management and research of furbearers in Iowa. Some of his primary responsibilities include oversight of furbearer population trends, annually reviewing and recommending changes to furbearer regulations, as well as developing new research projects. Other highlights of the job include sharing mammal information with fellow DNR staff as well as the public and the importance of good habitat on Iowa’s landscape for our wildlife and water quality.
Data Set, Graph, Learning Tools
It is likely that we have the occasional mountain lion wandering through or staying in our state for a period of time, however we have not documented a self-sustaining breeding population of mountain lions in Iowa at this time. DNA testing is used to determine the origin of mountain lions that are killed/found dead in Iowa whenever possible. The origins of the 10 dead mountain lions have been completed and results show that they are of North American origin. Results from the DNA testing have shown strong indications these cats often match the 2 DNA common to established populations from the Black Hills region of South Dakota and parts of Nebraska and Wyoming. From this, we know that mountain lion dispersal into Iowa is typically a west to east direction.
Black bear sightings are usually more reliable than mountain lion/cougar sightings because they are very distinct in appearance and do not necessarily flee when sighted. Bear tracks are very distinct, and they are not readily mistaken for other animals. Black bears, like mountain lions/cougars, have no legal status in Iowa. We strongly encourage Iowans to not hunt or harm these creatures. Bears are omnivores, primarily vegetarians, foraging on seeds, fruits, berries and other plant material, but they will feed upon animals as well. Human tolerance will be the deciding factor as to whether black bears would ever re-establish a breeding population again in Iowa.
Wolves are very mobile animals. As they extend their range southward, more may likely frequent Iowa. The distribution of gray wolves in Wisconsin and Minnesota is being actively documented. Indications from both states, especially Wisconsin, are of some trends in wolves colonizing in a southward direction in recent years.
Check out this news release from a very recent sighting in Scott County, near Interstate 80.
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For more information or questions, please contact [email protected]