News Release from: Lake Oswego Police Dept.
POSSIBLE COUGAR SIGHTINGS IN LAKE OSWEGO
Posted: May 6th, 2013 11:52 AM
Today the Lake Oswego Police Department has received several reports of a cougar having been seen in the area of Lakeridge Junior High School, near Central Avenue off of Jean Road. Apparently these sightings have occurred over the last several days. We have been in contact with the Lake Oswego School District and they will be contacting parents from the effected schools to provide instructions. We are working with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine if, in fact, there is a cougar in that area and, if so, what to do about it.
If you have recently seen what you believe was a cougar in the general area of Jean Road and Central Avenue or Bryant Woods Park, please call our non-emergency number at (503) 635-0238. If you see a cougar, please call 911 and follow the tips listed below that are provided by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
* 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, tools or any items available.
More information on cougars can be found on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/cougars.asp.
Replies to this message do not go back to the sender.
Go to http://FlashAlert.net/login.html to change or delete these messages.
