Portland-area agency: Three tips for staying safe when confronted by cougars

Summer in the Portland metro area means enjoying the great outdoors and neighborly get togethers.

But when your neighbor happens to be a cougar, the get togethers can get a little scary.

Last year saw a remarkable increase in sightings of cougars; also known as mountain lions and pumas. One of the big cats was spotted sunning itself on Haystack Rock on the Oregon Coast. Later that summer, Cannon Beach was closed temporarily after a mountain lion got stuck with the high-tides while seeking to snack on seabirds like seagulls or puffins. Cougars continued to be spotted all along the Oregon Coast for weeks in 2023.

One or more cougars were spotted in East Multnomah County that summer. Locations included Troutdale’s Sandee Palisades Park, Beaver Creek Canyon east of Troutdale Road and Wood Village.

And the sightings are nothing new. Media has been reporting on cougars in the tri-county region at increasing levels since 2014, including in Portland, Happy Valley, Tigard, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tualatin and Hillsboro.

Metro, the regional government serving the urban portions of Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties, issued a release on Wednesday, Aug. 14, with safety tips for people confronted by cougars.

Oregon is home to more than 6,000 cougars, according to the release.

Safety tips include:

1 At home

Cougars are carnivores. Their primary food source is deer, though they also will hunt other mammals and birds, including livestock and pets. Taking steps to discourage wildlife from staying at your property — such as deer-proofing your garden and not leaving food out — will make it less attractive to cougars. So, too, will securing any livestock.

Cougars are most active at dawn and dusk, so be extra cautious during these times. Keep pets sheltered overnight and feed pets indoors.

Installing motion-activated lights around your property can help to discourage cougars.

2 In a park

Parks and greenspaces in the metro areas are part of Metro’s mission; alongside solid waste disposal, the cities’ urban growth boundaries and managing the Oregon Zoo.

When cougars are spotted at Metro Parks, staff issue an alert on the park’s webpage and post signage at the park, to let visitors decide if they're comfortable visiting the park.

But Metro officials warn that, even if no cougars have been seen, it’s reasonable to assume they’re hanging around in any large park or natural area.

“Cougars will avoid heavily frequented areas,” the press release reads. “It is unlikely a cougar would be seen at picnic shelters, trails, playgrounds, parking lots or anywhere where people congregate.”

But for people hiking in a more isolated part of a park or greenspace, Metro says: Pay attention to your surroundings; avoid using headphones; make noise or speak sporadically when hiking; stay far away from cubs and report any sightings to park staff; don’t camp or hike alone; and consider carrying bear spray. (But first learn how to use it properly and don’t let it give you a false sense of confidence.)

3 If you encounter a cougar

Other Metro advice includes:

If you see a cougar from a distance, calmly leave the area. Do not run, as that may trigger the cougar’s instinct to chase prey. The cougar likely will leave if it’s spotted by a human.If you encounter a cougar at close proximity, stay calm. Do not turn your back to the cougar. Do not run.Pick up any small children, but do so without bending down or turning your back on the cougar.Cougars are generally skittish animals. You can try to scare it away by making yourself look large. Raise your arms, make loud assertive noise (not screams), clap your hands and throw objects.Maintain eye contact with the cougar.Make sure there is an escape route for the cougar before you attempt to scare it.Be aware that cougars will sometimes charge, growl or bare their teeth as an intimidation tactic. Try to stay calm and do not run.If there is a secure place nearby — a vehicle or a shelter, for instance — slowly back away toward it.If attacked, fight back with whatever is at hand (without turning your back). People have used rocks, jackets, garden tools, tree branches and other objects to turn away cougars.

Reporter Christopher Keizur contributed to this article.