The Republican River is good habitat. Fryda said he does not believe there is an established population yet, but rather an occasional mountain lion passes through the area. It makes sense every once in awhile you would get a cougar in this area. You can't just say 'They are not in Nebraska' anymore. That's why he takes reports of cougars seriously.
Most sightings come from ranchers or other people concerned about their livestock or animals.
They have no reason to lie. They actually believe they are seeing something and probably some of them are. I believe them. Urwiller said his discovery was met with mixed reaction. Quite a few people you run into think it's a publicity stunt.