Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Bend Police traced a cougar into the Deschutes River Woods area Saturday morning and dispatched it. The cougar was a male weighing 135 pounds and based on its paw size, which matched tracks previously found around residences and the territorial nature of male cougars, officials are confident it is the cougar deemed a human safety hazard. Police had received repeated sightings near human residences.
If you encounter a cougar:
• Cougars often will retreat if given the opportunity. Leave the animal a way to escape.
• Stay calm and stand your ground.
• Maintain direct eye contact.
• Pick up children, but do so without bending down or turning your back on the cougar.
• Back away slowly.
• Do not run. Running triggers a chase response in cougars, which could lead to an attack.
• Raise your voice and speak firmly.
• If the cougar seems aggressive, raise your arms to make yourself look larger and clap your hands.
• If in the very unusual event that a cougar attacks you, fight back with rocks, sticks, bear or pepper spray, tools or any items available.
For more information on living with cougars, visit https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/cougars.asp.
Cougar sighting sign with tips on what to do if you encounter one available at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/docs/CougarSightingSignFinal2.pdf
