WARM SPRINGS, OR -- One man was killed and another seriously injured by a cougar, in Washington state. The two were mountain biking near North Bend, about 30 miles from Seattle, when the wildcat attacked. In Central Oregon, local officials warn outdoor enthusiasts about cougars recently spotted along the Lower Deschutes.
Up to three cougars have been spotted along the Lower Deschutes River, between the Warm Spring launch and Harpham Flats, according to the Prineville Bureau of Land Management. Campers are encouraged to keep sites clean and to sleep 100 yards from cooking areas; recreators should be vigilant while rafting and hiking. The BLM warns to never feed wildlife or approach a cougar. And in the hours around dawn and dusk, when cougars are most active, stay in groups when possible, and always keep pets on a leash.
Cougars can become a public safety risk when they are seen repeatedly, which can mean they are becoming habituated to human activity, but sightings are rare. If you see one, call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
