Cougar spotted twice in Olympia, WDFW working to attract big cat

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A cougar was spotted twice in Olympia within a week.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is working to confirm the reports.

“If you see a cougar, consider yourself thankful,” said Capt. Dan Chadwick.

WDFW said the big cat was spotted near Watershed Park, which isn't far from downtown Olympia. The reports were taken Aug. 19 and Aug. 25.

“It would be cool to see a cougar because I really like cats,” said Yian Quach.

Quach was out for a trail run Tuesday when he noticed a cougar-sighting sign at the trailhead.

"If I saw the cougar, I would probably just like, get in a stance, let him know I'm not messing around. Maybe act big and growl at him, but I'd also be admiring him all throughout,” he said.

Others on the trail were a bit more concerned.

“I come down here like three times a week, so, yeah, that makes me a little nervous. Now I need to know, do I need mace? What do I need and what do I need to do?" said Shelby Yonker.

Chadwick said WDFW hasn’t confirmed the sightings, but they're taking the reports seriously. Wildlife officials set up trail cameras and bait to try to get a glimpse of the mountain lion.

Callers said the cat was small, likely young, acted a bit aggressive, but didn't attack.

"The cougar was reported to have crouched down and pinned its ears back and moved towards the person a little bit,” said Chadwick. "Unfortunately, cats and dogs, small cats and dogs, are a quick meal for them, along with their normal prey, which are small mammals."

If there's a cougar in town, Chadwick said it's likely just moving through.

To be safe, it's smart to keep pets and kids close by.

If you see a mountain lion, stop, pick up small children and don't run. Face the cougar and talk to it firmly while slowly backing away. Always leave the animal an escape route.

WDFW said people should try to appear larger than the cougar. If holding a jacket, open it to increase your size. Don’t take your eyes off the cougar or turn your back.

Never approach the cougar. The goal is to convince the cougar you are not prey, but a potential danger.

If the cougar attacks, fight back.

Wildlife officials won’t be able to confirm there’s a big cat in the area unless it’s seen on camera, tracks are spotted or animal remains are found.

People who believe they see a cougar are asked to report it to WDFW by calling 911.

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