[ODFW-News] Common sense and education are the key to cougar encounters

[Odfw News]

For Immediate Release Friday, May 27, 2005

 

Common sense and education are the key to cougar encounters

 

SALEM - As Oregonians officially welcome the start of the outdoor season
on Memorial Day Weekend, ODFW reminds outdoor enthusiasts to remain
alert while enjoying Oregon's natural resources.

 

While cougars spend the winter and early spring months close to the deer
and elk herds that are their primary prey, spring and summer months find
the herds - and the cats - dispersed throughout the countryside. An
adult male cougar maintains a home range of 150 to 200 square miles or
more, and the species inhabits every Oregon county. 

 

"Cougars generally will go out of their way to steer clear of humans,"
said ODFW Wildlife Division Manager Ron Anglin. "However, summer months
in Oregon mean more people spending time outside, and we want everyone
to have a safe, enjoyable time in the outdoors. Oregon's big game
species - from cougar and bear to elk and deer - can all be dangerous to
people in the wrong circumstances. Everyone should know and take the
simple precautions necessary to ensure safety in the outdoors." 

 

ODFW advises the following cougar precautions:

 

* Do not hike alone - Go in groups, with adults supervising small
children.

* Do not approach a cougar - Most cougars will try to avoid a
confrontation. Give them a clear way to escape.

* Do not run from a cougar - Running may stimulate their instinct to
chase. Stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If you have small
children with you, pick them up so they do not panic and run. Do not
bend over to pick them up, or turn your back on the cougar. 

* Try to appear larger - Raise your arms, open your jacket, throw stones
or whatever you can without crouching or turning your back. Wave your
arms slowly and speak in a firm, loud voice. 

* Fight back if attacked - Attacking cougars will go for the head and
neck. Try to remain standing. Use rocks and sticks, jackets, garden
tools, camping gear or any handy implement. Do not play dead or assume a
fetal position.

 

For more information on cougars, contact ODFW for a copy of the brochure
"Living with Mountain Lions." The brochure also may be found on ODFW's
Web site at
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/InfoCntrWild/Finalcougar21600.pdf.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://listsmart.osl.state.or.us/pipermail/odfw-news/attachments/20050527/247f71dd/attachment.htm