Collared Cougar Found Dead on Wisconsin Railroad Tracks

The male cougar traveled from Nebraska before being struck by a train.

Feb. 13, 2026 at 11:31pm

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A male cougar was found dead on railroad tracks in central Wisconsin after traveling from Nebraska. The animal was wearing a radio collar and ear tags, indicating it had been collared in western Nebraska around age 1. Officials say the cougar likely died after being struck by a train, and they will perform a necropsy to confirm the cause of death.

Why it matters

Cougars are a protected species in Wisconsin, and this incident highlights the challenges they face as they expand their range. The death of this young male cougar is significant, as it was likely on a journey to find a mate, a common behavior for young cougars leaving their natal range.

The details

The dead cougar was reported to the Adams County Sheriff's Office on February 9. Railroad staff discovered the animal on the tracks. Officials say the collar on the cougar was not sending data for "many months," but the animal had been photographed multiple times on its journey from Nebraska through northwest Wisconsin and into Marathon, Portage, and Adams counties.

  • The cougar was found dead on February 9, 2026.
  • The cougar was collared around age 1 in western Nebraska in an earlier, unspecified year.

The players

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Wisconsin's natural resources, including wildlife like cougars.

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What’s next

Officials said the collar will be sent back to Nebraska to see if there is any additional data on the collar.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the challenges facing cougars as they expand their range, and the importance of continued monitoring and conservation efforts to protect this protected species in Wisconsin.