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The Iron County resident who captured a cougar on his trail camera has granted the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel permission to publish the image.

The image was taken Aug. 30 in northern Iron County. The photographer prefers to remain anonymous to prevent attracting unwanted attention to his property.

However, he cooperated with the Department of Natural Resources so the agency could verifiy the location and authenticity of the photo.

And when reached by phone Friday afternoon, he said he released the information to help the department as it attempts to learn more about the habits of cougars in Wisconsin.

"I think it's kind of neat that they are moving through," he said. "The more we can learn about them, I think the better people will learn to get along with them."

The cougar, which is wearing a radio-collar and an ear tag, was also photographed July 25 in Douglas County and Sept. 8 in Ontonagon County of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The animal is thought to have come from the western U.S.

It is the fifth confirmed cougar in Wisconsin since 2008.