Police dash cam:December 05/09.CHAMPLIN, Minn, After responding to a call, a Twin Cities police officer caught a glimpse of a cougar and has video proof from his dash cam.

A Champlin Police officer was driving near East River Parkway and Dowlin Street around 5 a.m. Saturday when he saw a large animal run across Highway 169.

At first, the officer thought it was a dog but after following the animal as it ran toward the Mississippi River, the officer said the animal was a large feline.

Champlin Police notified the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources of the sighting.

Police said the animal was never threatening but they urge people who may see it to stay away from it and to call police if they see it.

Residents should also be aware the cougar could consider small pets as prey.