The cougar that made a temporary home on Haystack Rock was likely hunting birds, according to biologists.
Officials said biologists with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife believe the cougar came down to the rock at Cannon Beach to hunt at low tide on Saturday night.
“While the forested areas along the coast are prime habitat for cougars, it is unusual that a cougar made its way on to Haystack Rock,” Oregon fish and wildlife biologist Paul Atwood said in a statement.
Photographers spotted the cougar Sunday morning, and officials closed a portion of the coast at Cannon Beach so the cougar could find a safe escape route.
That stretch of Cannon Beach reopened about 10 a.m. Monday after officials found cougar tracks leading away from the rock. A camera also captured a photo of the animal leaving the rock Sunday night, according to the fish and wildlife department.
Cougars have been migrating from other areas of the state to the Coast Range, officials said. They typically hunt deer and smaller prey like rabbits and rodents.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says Oregon is home to 6,000 cougars, also known as mountain lions, but sightings are not common. Cougars are lone hunters.
Nehalem Bay State Park closed a campground trail Thursday after cougar sightings there. Wildlife officials said it is not the same cougar seen on Haystack Rock.
Officials outlined the following guidelines if you encounter a cougar:
- Stay calm and do not run away. Running can trigger a chase response in cougars, which could lead to an attack.
- Raise your voice and speak firmly.
- Maintain direct eye contact.
- Pick up children, but do so without bending down or turning your back on the cougar.
- Back away slowly.
- If the cougar displays aggressive behavior or does not leave, raise your arms to make yourself look larger and clap your hands.
- In the unlikely event of an attack, fight back with rocks, sticks, bear or pepper spray, tools or any items available.
– Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744
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