Jefferson County issued a public safety alert this week after multiple possible cougar sightings in the Madras area, while fire officials have simultaneously announced that summer burn restrictions are now in effect -- a combination of wildlife and fire safety concerns that has residents paying close attention to conditions heading into late spring.
Mountain Lion Seen Near City Park
According to Jefferson County officials, a cougar was reportedly spotted Tuesday, May 6, walking out of a field and into City Park on Oak Street in Madras. Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife were both notified of the sighting.
"Since this has been brought to our attention, we wanted to make sure the public was aware of the possible sighting," the county's press release read. Officials noted that no tracks had been located to confirm the sighting, and urged residents to be cautious.
The downtown sighting came roughly one week after a more dramatic encounter in south Madras. Cheryl Kissler, 80, captured video on her home security camera of a large cougar pacing and growling on her porch on Bear Drive just before 6 a.m. on April 30. Claw marks were also found on a nearby window.
"I couldn't even speak I was so shocked," Kissler said. "I couldn't even tell my husband, I just held up the camera to him, and I said, 'Oh my god, this thing is huge.'" Kissler and her husband do not have pets or livestock, and believe the animal may have seen its own reflection in their window.
What to Do if You See a Cougar
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife advises the public to take the following precautions:
- Do not approach a cougar -- give it space and a way to escape
- Never run from a cougar, as this may trigger a chase response
- Make yourself look large and make noise
- Keep children and pets indoors at dawn, dusk, and night when cougars are most active
- Report sightings to ODFW or Oregon State Police
Summer Burn Restrictions Begin
Separately, Jefferson County Fire and EMS announced that summer burning restrictions went into effect Monday, May 4. Under the restrictions, open burning is allowed only in approved burn barrels with screens and a valid permit, and only during the hours of sunrise to 10 a.m. daily.
Jefferson County Code automatically places the county in a Moderate (Blue) fire danger level from July 1 through September 30 each year, but due to drying fire fuels and forecasted weather conditions, officials implemented the restrictions early for the 2026 fire season.
Residents interested in wildfire preparedness are encouraged to attend the upcoming Wildfire Preparedness Fair, scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on May 20 at Jefferson County Fire and EMS. Admission is free. More information is available at centraloregonfire.org.