Photo by Rich Beausoleil

Cougar Facts

• Can leap 30 feet from a standstill

• Can run up to 40 mph 

• Largest cat in North America that purrs 

• Population 2,000 in Washington

Links

WA Dept of Fish & Wild

Cougar Fund

Project CAT

News Link

Cougars in the News

Books

Cougar by Harold P. Danz

Cougar Almanac by Robert H. Busch

Video/DVD 

Cougar: Ghost of the Rockies

Cougar (Puma concolor)

In 2008, a cougar was sighted in the Grand Ridge neighborhood. Although some people may be frightened by this fact, it is highly unlikely that you will encounter a cougar on the trails in Issaquah Highlands. Cougars also known as catamounts, mountain lions, panthers or pumas are shy and elusive. The reason more people are seeing cougars in recent years is because of humans encroaching on their habitat. Records show in the past 100 years there have only been 20 human deaths from cougars and 100 non-fatal attacks in North America.

How to Avoid Cougar Sightings in the Woods

• Stay in groups.

• Make lots of noise.

• If walking, carry a stick to use as a potential weapon.

• Bells are hardly audible for animals, instead carry a whistle.

Living Safely with Cougars

• Keep yards free of food waste.

• Store garbage inside garages.

• Resist feeding pets outdoors and keep pet food in the house.

• Clean barbeques after each use and store in garage or cover.

• Keep pets indoors at night.

• If a cougar seems threatening call the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Office at      (425) 775-1311.

If you See a Cougar

• Stop, stand tall and do not run. Remember a cougar's instinct is to chase its prey.

• Pick up small children or dogs.

• Do not turn your back to a cougar and never take your eyes off the cougar.

• Slowly back away while talking to the cougar firmly. Leave the cougar an escape route.

• Try to appear larger than the cougar by opening your coat, raising your arms or standing on a rock.

• If the cougar does not flee, then shout, wave your arms and throw something at the cougar so you appear to be a threat.

• If the cougar attacks, fight back aggressively and stay on your feet.

IIf you Come in Close Contact with a Cougar

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/cougars.htm#attacks

Issaquah Highlands Connections Article about Cougars and Bobcats

Cougars (Sept 2009)