Jefferson County officials are asking Madras residents to remain vigilant after two recent cougar sightings near residential areas — including one captured on a home security camera at close range.

On May 7, the county issued a public information notice stating that a mountain lion had walked out of a field and into City Park on Oak Street in Madras. Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife were both notified of the sighting, though officials said no tracks had been located at the time.

"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 stated.

Porch Camera Footage

The City Park sighting came roughly a week after a more dramatic encounter on Bear Drive in south Madras. Cheryl Kissler, 80, and her husband discovered on the morning of April 30 that their home security cameras had captured a large cougar pacing and growling on their porch before 6 a.m.

"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.'"

The footage showed the animal pacing back and forth. Kissler also noticed what appeared to be paw prints on a window, suggesting the cougar may have tried to look inside — possibly drawn by its own reflection in the glass.

"There (were) prints on the window where it looked like he might have jumped up there," Kissler said. "It was scary."

Kissler said she immediately alerted state law enforcement and sent the footage to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, though as of May 7 she had not yet received a response. She noted that while she and her husband have no pets or livestock, they have grandchildren who visit regularly.

"I just hope people are on the lookout because a lot of them make jokes of it until they are confronted with something like that," Kissler said. "It's nothing to joke about."

Safety Tips

Cougars are native to the Jefferson County area and sightings near developed areas typically increase when natural prey is scarce or when young animals are dispersing from established territories. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends the following if you encounter a cougar:

  • Do not run — back away slowly while facing the animal
  • Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms
  • Make noise and maintain eye contact
  • Do not crouch or turn your back
  • Keep children and pets close, especially at dawn and dusk
  • Report sightings to Oregon State Police (non-emergency) or ODFW

Anyone who encounters a cougar in Madras or surrounding areas is encouraged to report it to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office or ODFW's Wildlife Division.