Images of a mountain lion with a neck collar in northwest Iowa have been circulating over social media in the past few days, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

The subadult male, estimated to be less than 2 years old, was collared as part of an ongoing research project by Nebraska Game, Fish & Parks to better understand mountain lion movements, behaviors and dispersal.

“This cat has traveled a long distance from Nebraska’s north-central region to northwest Iowa, and is providing valuable data for Nebraska Game, Fish & Parks,” said Vince Evelsizer, state furbearer biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Evelsizer said he was contacted about the cat’s movements a few weeks ago when it entered the state. He said it hasn’t caused any issues with human safety or livestock. While mountain lions are not protected in Iowa, Evelsizer encouraged Iowans not to shoot it unless there is a direct safety threat.