2 cougar cubs spotted in Boonesborough yard

A resident in the Boonesborough area north of Bend reported seeing two cougar cubs in a yard Friday morning, prompting a search that failed to find them or any adult animals, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

Deputies were dispatched around 8:30 a.m. to the reported sighting of two small cougar cubs at a home on Boonesborough Drive near the intersection with Dale Road, said Sgt. Deke DeMars.

The reporting party said no adult cougars were seen, and the cubs were gone a few minutes later, DeMars said.

An Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife employee was contacted and apprised of the cougar activity, he added.

“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the community of several facts,” DeMars said in a news release.

“Do not disturb dead animal carcasses, especially if you believe the animal may be a cougar kill. If there are confirmed cougar sightings in your area such as this, do not walk your dogs at night in the area. It is recommended that residents keep outside lighting in the areas where livestock is present to help deter cougar attacks. Supervise children and pets that are outside.

“There are many residential areas inside Deschutes County near rural settings in which wild life is prevalent,” DeMars continued. “If and when a member of the community comes into contact with wild life such as a cougar, do not run, but move slowly, keeping the animal in view as you move away from the area. If there is a perceived danger to the community, please notify law enforcement as soon as possible.”