Illinois Department of Natural Resources officials said they are alerting Springfield residents to be on the lookout for a Mountain Lion.
Officials reported the cougar's last whereabouts near the western edge of the city.
The cougar is wearing a GPS collar and has been tracked from Nebraska, where researchers began watching the animal.
The Researchers said cougars are known to travel long distances, and this particular one has wandered central Illinois for the past couple weeks.
Officials said human interactions are rare and none have been reported with the young male lion, but if you do see the large carnivore and it doesn't flee immediately they recommend you stand tall, wave your arms, throw rocks or objects, and yell.
Cougars are a protected species in Illinois.
For more information visit IDNR's website.