Oregon is home to more than 6,000 cougars. Also known as pumas or mountain lions, they range throughout the state, including the greater Portland region. Even so, cougar sightings are rare as they are reclusive by nature and usually avoid people. Keep reading for some safety tips to help you live peacefully with Oregon’s largest wild cat.
At home
Cougars are carnivores. Their primary food source is deer, though they will also hunt other mammals and birds, including livestock and pets. Taking steps to discourage wildlife from staying at your property – like deer-proofing your garden and not leaving food out – will make it less attractive to cougars. So too will securing any livestock.
Cougars are most active at dawn and dusk, so be extra cautious during these times. Keep pets sheltered overnight and feed pets indoors.
Installing motion-activated lights around your property can help to discourage cougars.
At a park
When cougars are spotted at Metro Parks, staff issue an alert on the park’s webpage and post signage at the park. This is to let visitors decide if they are comfortable visiting the park. However, it is reasonable to assume that cougars may be present at any large park or natural area, even if they have not been seen by humans.
Cougars will avoid heavily frequented areas. It is unlikely a cougar would be seen at picnic shelters, trails, playgrounds, parking lots or anywhere where people congregate. If you’re hiking or recreating in a more isolated part of a park, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Pay attention to your surroundings: avoid using headphones, keep an eye out for animal tracks and scat (poop), and look around you regularly.
- Make noise, or sporadically speak when hiking.
- Stay far away from cubs and report any sightings to park staff.
- Don’t camp or hike alone.
- Consider carrying bear spray, but first learn how to use it properly and don’t let it give you a false sense of confidence.
If you encounter a cougar
- If you see a cougar from a distance, calmly leave the area. Do not run, as that may trigger the cougar’s instinct to chase prey. The cougar will likely leave if it’s spotted by a human.
- If you encounter a cougar at close proximity, stay calm. Do not turn your back to the cougar. Do not run.
- Pick up any small children, but do so without bending down or turning your back on the cougar.
- Cougars are generally skittish animals. You can try to scare it away by making yourself look large. Raise your arms, make loud assertive noise (not screams), clap your hands and throw objects.
- Maintain eye contact with the cougar.
- Make sure there is an escape route for the cougar before you attempt to scare it.
- Be aware that cougars will sometimes charge, growl or bare their teeth as an intimidation tactic. Try to stay calm and do not run.
- If there is a secure place nearby – a vehicle or a shelter, for instance – slowly back away toward it.
- If attacked, fight back with whatever is at hand (without turning your back). People have used rocks, jackets, garden tools, tree branches and other objects to turn away cougars.
Reporting a cougar sighting
If you are at a Metro park and see a cougar, please let park staff know. You can also reach us at 503-797-1545 or [email protected].
If you are in another location, report the sighting to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 503-947-6000.