Three cougar sightings in three days near Keno

KENO, Ore. -- Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife have received information of three cougar sightings in the last three days in a Keno area neighborhood southwest of Klamath Falls.

The first confirmed sighting of a cougar was on Monday near 10740 Misty Mountain Drive in Keno. A resident reported seeing drag marks in the area and OSP troopers later found a deer carcass.  

On Tuesday, the same resident saw the cougar as it appeared to be preparing to attack her dog. The cougar retreated and fled when the resident tried to scare it away. Another area resident reported seeing a cougar in the same general area today.

Anyone seeing or encountering a cougar is asked to contact a local ODFW or OSP office.

Guidelines for Living with Cougars from ODFW

If you live in cougar country

* Learn your neighborhood. Be aware of any wildlife corridors or places where deer or elk concentrate.

* Walk pets during the day and keep them on a leash.

* Keep pets indoors at dawn and dusk. Shelter them for the night.

* Feed pets indoors.

* Don't leave food and garbage outside.

* Use animal-proof garbage cans if necessary.

* Remove heavy brush from near the house and play areas.

* Install motion-activated light outdoors along walkways and driveways.

* Be more cautious at dawn and dusk when cougars are most active.

* Do not feed any wildlife. By attracting other wildlife, you may attract a cougar.

* Keep areas around bird feeders clean.

* Deer-proof your garden and yard with nets, lights, fencing.

* Fence and shelter livestock. Move them to sheds or barns at night.

If You Recreate in Cougar Country

* Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

* Leave your dog at home or keep it on a leash. Pets running free may lead a cougar back to you.

* Hike in groups. Make noise to alert wildlife of your presence.

* Keep children close to you. Teach them about wildlife.

* Keep campsites clean. Sleep 100 yards from cooking areas.

* Store food in animal-proof containers.

* Carry deterrent spray.

* Be cautious at dusk and dawn.

* Never feed any wildlife. Prey attracts predators.

* Do not approach any wildlife; stay at least 100 yards away.

* Steer clear of baby wildlife. Mother is likely nearby.

* Be alert when sitting quietly or stopping to rest.

* Be especially alert at dawn and dusk when cougars are most active.

* Be aware that animal calls and animal kills can attract a cougar.

If You Encounter a Cougar

* 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.