Wildlife officials confirm Des Moines mountain lion sighting
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In this undated image from video provided by the Des Moines Police Department a mountain lion is seen near downtown Des Moines. Iowa wildlife officials have confirmed the sighting of the mountain lion near downtown Des Moines. Police said Thursday morning, May 9, 2019, that they're poring over video from the area near Interstate 235 and 31st Street. Police say they're working with the Iowa Natural Resources Department, the Animal Rescue League and Blank Park Zoo to safely resolve the situation. (Des Moines Police Department via AP)
Iowa wildlife officials have confirmed the sighting of a mountain lion near downtown Des Moines.
Police said Thursday morning that they're poring over video from the area near Interstate 235 and 31st Street. Snapshots taken from the video appear to show a mountain lion near some steps and a park bench.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources biologist Vince Evelsizer (EH'-vihl-seye-zur) says the animal is indeed a mountain lion and that the department is confident the video came from a legitimate source. Police have not said who provided the video or where or when it was taken.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Police fatally shot a mountain lion on the city's north side in October 2012.
Police say they're working with the Animal Rescue League and Blank Park Zoo to safely resolve the situation.