Overview
- Duluth police confirmed the sighting and said they are coordinating with the Minnesota DNR, with no further law-enforcement action planned.
- Ordean East Middle School and Congdon Elementary entered a secure-status protocol at 1:36 p.m., then lifted it shortly after 2 p.m. following consultation with the DNR.
- DNR officials told the school district the cat was seen near Knife River along the North Shore a few days earlier and has been wandering the area.
- The DNR reports 107 verified mountain lion sightings in Minnesota since 2004 and says there is no evidence of a self-sustaining breeding population in the state.
- Authorities advise residents not to approach the animal; face it directly, raise arms to appear larger, speak loudly, avoid running, do not shoot, and report sightings to conservation officers or local law enforcement.