Police in Oregon City are advising residents to exercise caution following multiple sightings of a cougar near Singer Creek Park on New Year’s Day. The animal was captured on a home surveillance camera twice, first at around 7 a.m. and again at 6 p.m., prompting concerns among local residents.
Sgt. Kevin Carlson, a public information officer with the Oregon City Police Department, reported that a resident living near the park alerted authorities after spotting the cougar on their property. The police are encouraging anyone who sees the cougar to report their observations to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
In the event of a cougar encounter, ODFW offers specific guidelines for safety. They advise against running from the animal, suggesting instead that individuals maintain eye contact and make noise by speaking in a firm voice, clapping, or yelling. If the cougar exhibits aggressive behavior, raising one’s arms to appear larger can also be an effective deterrent.
Currently, Carlson noted that neither the police nor ODFW are attempting to capture or relocate the cougar unless further reports are received. The primary focus at this time is to keep residents informed and to ensure they are vigilant, especially regarding their pets.
Although cougars typically avoid human interactions, recent incidents have raised awareness about their presence. Just this week, a man was killed by a cougar in Colorado. In the Pacific Northwest, there have been concerning events, including a cougar dragging a four-year-old into the woods in Washington last summer and attacks on mountain bikers in 2024.
While sightings of cougars are infrequent in Oregon, there have been reports over the past year in Beaverton and Corvallis, as well as a sighting at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. As residents remain alert, local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
