RE: Finally Evidence of cougar in IL.
On two occasions last summer I found approx. 4" wide cat tracks on my deer lease in Greene County(near Eldred). I say cat because it left no claw marks in the soft mud. Canids leave claw marks in their tracks.
A guy hunting there 2 weeks ago said he heard a scream one morning. He shivered as he told me of it.
Neighbors tell tales of the cat killing a pet deer and other livestock. I've not talked to anyone who claims to have seen it.
I would not be surprised, the terrain is right for cats like that. Food is plentiful.