OLYMPIA, Wash. — A big cat was caught on camera in the South Sound.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed an animal seen on surveillance video near a south Olympia home is a cougar. Cameras caught it roaming around 2 a.m. Thursday.
“Wow, it was like, gosh, that is pretty close to home,” said Pamela Baer.
According to neighbors, a few days later, someone spotted the big cat again down the road.
The homes sit in a neighborhood off Henderson Boulevard south of Yelm Highway. They back up to the Deschutes River and a large green belt, which is where the cougar likely came from.
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"They're a beautiful animal. I hate to see them come into a residential area and scare people,” said Tom Van Nuys.
Van Nuys said many people are keeping their kids and pets close by.
"We got a fenced yard in back with a six foot fence, but a cougar could go over a six foot fence in its sleep,” he said.
His small dog, Pearly, hasn't left his side.
"We can't let her out of our sight or off leash until we know something is done about the cougar,” said Van Nuys.
Wildlife officials said that's a smart move, but, overall, people shouldn't be too concerned.
Cougars are seldom spotted, typically travel alone, and you're 1,000 times more likely to get struck by lightning than attacked by a big cat.
Many residents said they're keeping their guard up until the mountain lion leaves their neck of the woods.
"We all have our eyes and ears perked watching for any other sightings,” said Clair Ferris.
Wildlife officials said seeing a cougar during the day would be much more concerning.
Anyone who spots a cougar is asked to call Fish and Wildlife dispatch at 360-902-2936.