A mountain lion was recently spotted in Battle Ground.
Police responded to the sighting Thursday near Onsdorff Boulevard and Northwest Sixth Avenue. Although officers extensively searched the area, they were unable to find the mountain lion or any signs of it. A second sighting was reported Saturday, but that turned out to be “a substantial and fine-looking house cat,” the city of Battle Ground said.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified about the sighting and is monitoring the situation. If people see a mountain lion, they can report it to the non-emergency line, 311. Any emergencies related to cougars should be reported to 911.
Last month a cougar attacked two mountain bikers near North Bend, killing one and injuring the other. It was the state’s first fatal cougar attack in 94 years. The animal believed to have attacked the cyclists was tracked and killed by Fish and Wildlife police.
The agency recommends that people who encounter a cougar pick up small children, stand tall and try to appear as large as possible. A cougar’s instinct is to chase, so people should not run or approach the animal. If the cougar is acting aggressively, shout, wave your arms and throw rocks. Fight back aggressively and try to stay on your feet if the cougar attacks.
