Cougar seen in Ashland’s Lithia Park

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) — Officials in Ashland are warning residents and tourists about a cougar in the city’s Lithia Park.

Wildlife officials say a man walking his dog in the park about 7 a.m. Friday saw a cougar feeding on a deer. Wildlife officials determined it was a cougar kill.

The Ashland Daily Tidings reports the cougar was a few hundred yards from a children’s playground.

Four other similar kills, including those of turkeys, have been reported, although officials say other animals could be responsible.

Wildlife officials say that people in cougar territory should be especially wary at dawn and dusk, and hike in groups. People who encounter one should pick up children, back away slowly while talking to the animal and not trigger its chase instinct by running or turning one’s back.

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Information from: The Ashland Daily Tidings, http://www.dailytidings.com