Communities, Front Page, Oakridge/Westfir

Police chief addresses flurry of cougar sightings

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One of three cougars sighted recently by Oakridge residents near the Roaring Rapids Way subdivision along Salmon Creek. Tasha Callahan/Facebook

By DOUG BATES/Editor/The Herald — Oakridge Police Chief Kevin Martin, speaking at Thursday night’s city council session, acknowledged that reports of cougar sightings have been on the rise in the community lately, and he encouraged residents to let authorities know in a timely fashion.

“Give us a call and we’ll pass all information on to the state,” Martin said.

The police department’s non-emergency line, 541-782-4232, is normally the best choice, but in the absence of that number it is OK to call 9-1-1 emergency dispatch, he said. Normally, Oregon State Police game officers end up dealing with such calls and complaints.

In recent days Oakridge residents have posted a number of photos and videos of cougars sighted within the city limits. Tasha Callahan of Oakridge used Facebook to post the photo shown here, which she said was taken near her home in the Roaring Rapids Way area near Salmon Creek. She said the cougar was one of three that have been spotted frequently in the neighborhood.

Another Oakridge resident recently posted videos of two cougars prowling in the backyard of a home behind the high school.

On its website, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife offers tips on living and recreating in cougar country, including populated communities like Oakridge. Suggestions include walking your pets during the day and keeping them on leashes, removing heavy brush from near the house and play areas, and being more cautious at dawn and dusk when cougars are most active.

 

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