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May 20, 2024
GOLD BEACH, Ore – Two cougar sightings during daylight hours were recently reported to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Gold Beach Police Department.
Sightings occurred in the Tomcat Hill/Hound Dog Road and Riley Creek (near the elementary school) areas in the rural-urban interface. While wildlife is often seen in these areas, it is unusual to see cougars during daylight hours. Cougars are normally elusive, wary of people, and are more active at dusk and dawn.
Residents should report cougar sightings to ODFW at 541-247-7605. ODFW and the GBPD urge residents to follow these safety tips for living in cougar country:
- Learn your neighborhood. Be aware of any wildlife corridors or places where deer or elk concentrate.
- Do not feed any wildlife, including deer (cougar’s main prey along with elk). By attracting wildlife, you may attract a cougar.
- Use animal-proof garbage cans if necessary.
- Feed pets indoors; do not leave food out for feral or wild animals.
- Walk pets during the day and keep them leashed.
- Keep pets indoors at dawn and dusk. Shelter them for the night.
- Use more caution outdoors at dawn and dusk when cougars are more active.
- Remove heavy brush from near the house and play areas.
- Install motion-activated lights outdoors along walkways and driveways.
- Deer-proof your garden and yard with nets, lights, fencing.
- Fence and shelter livestock. Move them to sheds or barns at night.
If you encounter a cougar:
- Stay calm and back away slowly while facing it. Give the cougar a way to escape.
- Raise your voice and speak firmly.
- Maintain direct eye contact.
- Pick up children but do so without bending down or turning your back on the cougar.
- Do not run. Running triggers a chase response.
- If the cougar seems aggressive, raise your arms to make yourself look larger and clap your hands.
- In the unlikely event of an attack, fight back with rocks, sticks, bear or pepper spray, tools, or any item available.
For more information on living with cougars, click here .
Graphic: Oregon is Cougar Country.
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