Sweet Home Police Advise of Cougar in Area

SWEET HOME, Ore. January 10, 2022, — BE ADVISED: At approximately 12:30pm on Monday, January 10, 2022 a resident of the 1000 block of 43rd Avenue reported their dog was attacked by a cougar. Our department is working with Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.

If You Encounter a Cougar:

• Cougars often will retreat if given the opportunity. Leave the animal a way to escape.
• Stay calm and stand your ground.
• Maintain direct eye contact.
• Pick up children, 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.
• Raise your voice and speak firmly.
• If the cougar seems aggressive, raise your arms to make yourself look larger and clap your hands.
• If in the very unusual event that a cougar attacks you, fight back with rocks, sticks, bear or pepper spray, tools or any items available.

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife has more information on living & recreating in cougar country.  https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/cougars.asp

Please contact us at 541-367-5181 if you see the animal. 

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For Additional Information Contact:
Sweet Home Police Department
541-367-5181
shpd@sweethomeor.gov