A mountain lion captured near springfield Illinois is recouping at an animal sanctuary in Indiana.
The cougar was tranquilized Friday by wildlife experts on the west side of Springfield, said IDNR officals.
The animal, which was wearing a GPS collar, made its way to Illinois from Nebraska, said officals.
Officials said the animal was out-fitted with a GPS by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in November 2021 as part of an ongoing research project.
The Exotic Feline Rescue Center Point Indiana posted to its Facebok page an update on the cougar.
The facility said the mountain lion was slightly injured and tick-infested.
The young male cougar remains in the centers off-tour area, where it's quiet, to adjust to his new surroundings, said center officials.
IDNR Director Colleen Callahan said, "I am confident that the mountain lion will be protected and cared for at its new home."
The Unternational Union for Conservation of Nature said, although classified as an animal of "least concern" on their Red List of Threatened Species, mountain lions are protected in Illinois.
It is unlawful to harm, harass or kill them unless they pose an imminent threat to a person or property, which rarely occurs, said The IUCN.