(Radio Iowa) – Images of a mountain lion with a neck collar have been circulating on social media in northwest Iowa the past few days. Iowa D-N-R furbearer biologist Vince Evelsizer says the mountain lion came from a neighboring state.

The male lion is estimated to be less than two years old and was collared as part of an ongoing research project by Nebraska Game Fish & Parks to try and better understand its movements and behavior. Evelsizer says he was contacted about the cat a few weeks ago when it entered the state. He says the animal hasn’t caused any problems.

Evelsizer says mountain lions are not protected in Iowa, but he is encouraging people to not to shoot the animal unless there is a direct safety threat. He says the animal wants to avoid human contact, and trail cameras are likely the only way you might see it.

Evelsizer says the D-N-R is not giving out any precise information on the mountain lion’s location.

Everlsizer says anyone who might see the mountain lion should use common sense and leave it alone. You can report any sightings to local D-N-R officers to help track its movement.