I like youre points on this 2Lunger.I live west of chicago around 40 miles or so and hunt my uncles farm alot downstate(near Rend Lake),they have had cougars around for some time in the woods that I hunt,I do bring a side arm to the woods with me when I walk in @ dark morning hunts,you are right there are many things that can harm you when afield,some commonsence and protection goes along way.I have seen cougar and heard reports of them all over our state and watched the local news last year when the chicago police killed that one.Cougar can and do travel a long way and I don't necessarly say that the DNR did or did not plant them,I know for a fact they have planted bobcats and have had some really interesting encounters with them.I won't lie ,when they started seeing the cougar on my uncles place and when I saw the tracks I did start to get a bit un nerved but don't let i ruin my hunts.