The puma was transferred by Illinois State Police (ISP) to an IDNR wildlife biologist.

The puma was transferred by Illinois State Police (ISP) to an IDNR wildlife biologist.

From there, the animal was delivered to the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana (UIUC) for a full necropsy and DNA analysis.

The university’s analysis is expected to give biologists valuable information about the mountain lion, where it is from and its movements across the Midwest.

Mountain lions were eliminated from Illinois prior to the 1870s, because of habit loss and overharvest.

Mountain lions were eliminated from Illinois prior to the 1870s, because of habit loss and overharvest.

Currently, IDNR is monitoring a report, in early October, of another mountain lion in western Illinois.

Currently, IDNR is monitoring a report, in early October, of another mountain lion in western Illinois.

Mountain lions, also known as cougars and pumas, have been protected in Illinois since 2015.

Mountain lions, also known as cougars and pumas, have been protected in Illinois since 2015.

IDNR says it is unlawful to hunt, kill, or harass the big cats unless they pose an imminent threat.

IDNR says it is unlawful to hunt, kill, or harass the big cats unless they pose an imminent threat.

Mountain lions were eliminated from Illinois prior to the 1870s, because of habit loss and overharvest.

Mountain lions were eliminated from Illinois prior to the 1870s, because of habit loss and overharvest.