Full Breakdown
Mountain Lion Sighting Leads to School Lockdowns in Duluth, Minnesota
12/5/2025, 11:47:36 PM
Incident Overview
On Wednesday, two schools in Duluth, Minnesota, were placed under a "secure status" due to a mountain lion sighting in nearby neighborhoods. The mountain lion was reported to be within half a mile of Ordean East Middle School, prompting immediate action from school administrators. Adelle Wellens, spokesperson for Duluth Public Schools, confirmed that the lockdown was initiated at 1:36 p.m. after police alerted the district. Congdon Park Elementary School, located nearby, implemented the same precautionary measure.
Response and Communication
The lockdown protocols allowed classes to continue indoors while ensuring student safety. The secure status was lifted at 2 p.m. after consultations with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which indicated that the mountain lion had moved on. Wellens expressed confidence in the safety measures taken, stating, “It’s very unusual to have to deal with a mountain lion, especially in our city, but knowing the DNR, the Duluth police, and our neighbors are looking out for our students is great.”
Background on the Mountain Lion
The mountain lion, identified by ear tags and a non-functional radio collar, is believed to have originated from Nebraska as part of a research study. John Erb, a research biologist with the DNR, noted that the animal had been tracked through various towns in Minnesota since early September, including Fergus Falls, Wadena, Nisswa, and Brainerd. Erb explained that young male mountain lions often wander in search of territory and mates, which is typical behavior for their age group.
Community Reactions
Local parents expressed mixed feelings about the incident. Jay Hanson, a parent picking up his children from Ordean East, initially found the situation alarming but later considered it "cool" to have a mountain lion in town. He emphasized his confidence in the safety of his children, stating, “We’ve dealt with bears, been hiking places where there are mountain lions... so they were probably pretty relaxed about it.”
Previous Incidents and Safety Measures
This incident marks the second time in 2023 that Duluth schools have enacted emergency protocols due to wildlife. Earlier in the spring, Lowell Elementary School also went into secure status after a bear was spotted on school grounds. The Duluth Police Department reiterated the importance of caution around wild animals, advising residents not to approach them.
Official Statements
The Duluth Police Department confirmed their awareness of the mountain lion and stated that no further action was required at the time. They reminded the community to exercise caution and provided guidelines for safely confronting a cougar if necessary.
Conclusion
The swift response by Duluth Public Schools and local authorities highlights the community's commitment to student safety amid unusual wildlife encounters. As the mountain lion continues its journey, the DNR remains vigilant in monitoring its movements, although the tracking collar's malfunction complicates efforts to track the animal's location.
