A news release from the department said pictures of the animals, spotted in Allen and Natchitoches parishes, were provided by two people.

Large Carnivore Program Manager Maria Davidson and Natural Heritage Zoologist Beau Gregory conducted site investigations that confirmed the authenticity of the photographs, Wildlife and Fisheries said.

Davidson said the department interviewed the photo providers and investigated the sites and photographs. They concluded the photos are real, she said.

From The Associated Press