Clinton County

Flooded farmland converted to wetlands in Clinton County

Michael Gallagher Farming , , , , , , ,

Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region, Flickr

Clinton County is making the best of a bad situation. 100 acres of former farmland  that was flooded in 2008 and 2010, is being converted into wetlands and prairie. The land in near Wheatland, along the lower Wapsipinicon River. A federal grant and area groups pledged nearly $100,000 to purchase the land. Continue reading →

Iowa mountain lion sighting confirmed

Michael Gallagher Wildlife , , ,

Photo by CaliforniaDFG, Flickr

Mountain lions in Iowa? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed that a photograph taken in Clinton County last week is of a mountain lion.

The DNR hopes that this mountain lion sighting wont cause a panic. Mountain lion attacks are rare; between 1991 and 2003 there was on average 5.6 attacks in North America per year, and ten total resultant deaths during those 13 years. Also, it is believed that the mountain lion is just passing through the state, and could possibly already have left Iowa.

However, the DNR does offer advice for dealing with a mountain lion attack:

  • DON’T RUN! Running will stimulate certain animals to chase you (like a dog that wants to bite you, especially if you run).
  • Stand tall, look big, puff up, lift your coat over your shoulders.
  • Take control of the situation. Scream loudly, throw objects.
  • Gather children in close and slowly back away keeping your eye of the animal.
  • If attacked, fight back vigorously with sharp objects and poke the eyes of the animal.