At around 6:45 this morning, Eugene Police officers responding to a call for service regarding a cougar spotted in a front yard in the 2600 block of Garfield. The caller reported the cougar then went to the neighbor’s front steps and was last seen southbound from the location. EPD has notified the Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife of the report. Those agencies will follow up on the report.
This is a reminder for people in that area to be observant and keep their pets close when recreating in natural areas. Eugene has many natural areas and parks that are home to a wide variety of wildlife. These natural areas are one of the many attractive aspects of Eugene. Deer, squirrels, and birds live in these areas, but there may also be occasional, stray visits from cougars and other predators. Eugene has areas that are close to forested and rural areas where bears and cougars reside. People should always be respectful of the fact that all wildlife is in fact “wild” and should be given a wide berth.
Here is a link to ODFW pages with information/tips about “Living with Wildlife” (cougars). http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/cougars.asp
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