Cougar sightings reported along Lower Deschutes
The Bureau of Land Management Prineville District said Friday it has received several reports of encounters with cougars in Segment 1 of the Lower Deschutes River. Up to three animals have been seen approaching campsites near North Junction. Segment 1 of the Lower Deschutes runs from the Warm Springs launch to Harpham Flats. The BLM said it is working with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to address the issue. For rafters and campers in this area, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has the following recommendations: — Be aware of your surroundings at all time and stay in groups when possible. Keep pets on a leash and children close. — Keep campsites clean and sleep 100 yards from cooking areas. Store food in animal-proof containers. — Never feed wildlife and do not approach cougars. — Be especially aware at dawn and dusk, when they are most active While cougar sightings are rare, the animals can become a public safety risk when they are seen repeatedly and are becoming habituated to human activity. In the event that you encounter a cougar, remember to stay calm and stand your ground. Maintain eye contact and pick up any children without bending down or turning your back to the cougar. Make yourself large and loud, and back away (don’t run), while also giving the animal a way to escape. Once in cellphone coverage or at the end of your float, report any cougar sightings to the ODFW. For additional information, please contact the BLM Prineville District Office at (541) 416-6700 or the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at (800) 720-ODFW.
