Possible Cougar Sighting

On November 7, 2017 at 8:15 pm the City of Tualatin received a report of an unconfirmed cougar sighting near the wetlands between SW Sweek and SW 90th on the back side of Hedges Creek Apartments.  Tualatin Police want to remind everyone, while cougar sightings are rare in densely populated areas, people should remain cautious and vigilant.  We recommend extra caution while using parks and trails and refrain from being alone in those areas.  Cougars are typically most active from dusk to dawn, although they sometimes travel and hunt during the day and prey on local species such as deer, rabbits, coyotes, small rodents and occasionally pets and livestock.  Anyone who observes a cougar is urged to call 9-1-1 to report it immediately.

Here are some important things to remember if you encounter a cougar:

• Stop, face the cougar and maintain direct eye contact.
• Never approach the cougar, especially if it is near a kill or with kittens, and never offer it food.
• Do not take your eyes off the cougar or turn your back.  Do not crouch down or try to hide.
• Stay calm and stand your ground.  
• Raise your voice and speak firmly.  
• Pick up small children immediately, 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.
• Cougars often will retreat if given the opportunity.  Always leave the animal an escape route.
• If the cougar seems aggressive, raise your arms to make yourself look larger and clap your hands.  Get above it (e.g., step up onto a rock or stump).  If wearing a jacket, hold it open to further increase your apparent size.  If you are in a group, stand shoulder-to-shoulder to appear intimidating.
• If the cougar does not flee, be more assertive.  If it shows signs of aggression (crouches with ears back, teeth bared, hissing, tail twitching, and hind feet pumping in preparation to jump), shout, wave your arms and throw anything you have available (water bottle, book, backpack). The idea is to convince the cougar that you are not prey, but a potential danger.
• If the cougar attacks, fight back.  Be aggressive and try to stay on your feet.  Cougars have been driven away by people who have fought back using anything within reach, including sticks, rocks, shovels, backpacks, and clothing- even bare hands. If you are aggressive enough, a cougar will flee, realizing it has made a mistake.  Pepper spray in the cougar's face is also effective in the extreme unlikelihood of a close encounter with a cougar.