Cougar spotted climbing trees, roaming yards in South Eugene

Residents in South Eugene are on alert after a cougar was spotted climbing trees and roaming yards.

Neighbors in the area of Hendricks Park, Moon Mountain, Coryell Ridge and Black Oak Basin all spotted the big cat in various locations in recent days, with some catching it on camera.

"We are fortunate to have these beautiful creatures living in our natural areas, and we should respect them and their home," read a post issued Wednesday by Eugene Parks and Open Space.

After capturing daytime and night vision videos of the cougar Tuesday night, neighbors in the area advised the city on Wednesday that the cougar had been seen in the neighborhood for several days.

Suki Mackie, a resident in the area, captured a video of the cougar climbing up a tree on her property and splashing in a water trough she leaves outside for animals so they are less likely to enter the neighborhood.

"It was a total surprise," Mackie said. "I catch about 20 to 30 videos in a 24-hour period of deer and turkey and squirrels and raccoons. I was expecting to see a turkey."

Mackie said she and her neighbors have spotted the cougar roaming through yards and residing under outdoor decks. Some neighbors even claim the cougar has kept them up all night due to yowling near their homes.

"It's not around our neighborhood. It's in our neighborhood and that's why we're a little stressed out about it," Mackie said. "We have a lot of small children and we're a pocket community. We have driveways, not streets, so there's no through traffic. Kids are allowed to run around and they're little kids. So, the parents are keeping their kids under close watch."

In light of the cougar's presence, park officials recommend that visitors make noise while hiking in the area, keep children close, and leash pets.

"We definitely are wildlife conscious and it's a gorgeous animal," Mackie said. "We really hope that it moves on and doesn't become used to humans."

According to Eugene Parks and Open Space, if you encounter a cougar:

• Do not run, scream or turn your back
• Make yourself look as large as possible
• Put children between adults
• Speak firmly and back away slowly
• If attacked, fight back

Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Cougar spotted climbing trees, roaming yards in South Eugene