Possible cougar sighting sparks public awareness

Solitary and secretive, cougars are rarely seen in the wild.

Their graceful nature masks exceptional power and strength to track and capture prey, most commonly, deer.

For residents like Nancy Cooper in the Kayak Point area south of Stanwood, living in balance with nature is important.

As humans seek a rural lifestyle surrounded by open spaces and wooded areas, awareness concerning wildlife behavior is crucial in maintaining such balance.

Sounds from various animals surrounding her home are a nightly occurrence.

However, within the past three weeks, glimpses of a cougar have alerted Cooper and neighbors to take caution.

She sees the sightings as a natural opportunity for education rather than an alarm to perpetuate fear.

“People are willing to take drastic measures to curb wildlife in the area,” said Cooper. “I moved here six years ago to get away from the city, not to recreate it.”

Sergeant Randy Lambert of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) enforcement program attributed early March sightings near Kayak Point Golf Course to seasonal deer movement throughout the area.

In search of food, male cougars roam widely, covering a range of 50- to 150-square miles. Lowland cougars primarily travel at night and bed in forested areas under large roots or fallen trees.

The sightings have sparked interest, but WDFW only responds if there is an emergency, such as an attack on livestock, pets or humans, or if the animal is spotted in a confined area over an extended period of time, said Lambert. Essentially, the agency takes action when there is a threat to public safety or property.

A lack of sightings since initial reports leads Lambert to believe the animal, if in fact it was a cougar, has moved on.

Adult male cougars average approximately 140 pounds, are 7- to 8-feet long from nose to tip of tail and stand about 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Females tend to be smaller in stature. Coloring varies from reddish brown to grey; tails are marked with a black tip.

Although conflicts are rare, WDFW suggests keeping pets inside from dusk to dawn, securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and closing off potential shelter for prey animals under porches and beneath decks.

If spotted, never approach a cougar. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. Non-emergency sightings can be reported to the regional enforcement office in Mill Creek during regular business hours by calling 425-775-1311.

For more information about cougars and living with wildlife, visit www. wdfw.wa.gov.