Jefferson County residents are being asked to stay alert after multiple reported cougar sightings in and around Madras over the past week — including one that brought the large predator directly into a city park.

City Park Sighting

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office received a report at approximately 7 p.m. on May 5 of a possible cougar sighting at City Park, located near Oak and 10th Streets in Madras. According to officials, the animal appeared to come out of a nearby field and enter the park.

Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife were both notified of the report. The Sheriff's Office issued a public information notice urging community caution.

Security Camera Footage and Warm Springs Video

The May 5 sighting was not the first in recent weeks. A security camera at a Madras home captured footage of what appears to be a cougar roughly a week earlier. Then, a viewer-submitted video from the Warm Springs area showed what appears to be a cougar and possibly two cubs traveling along a rural road.

The string of sightings suggests the animal — or animals — may be moving through the greater Madras and Warm Springs corridor as the spring season brings increased wildlife activity.

What to Do If You See a Cougar

Wildlife officials offer the following guidance for residents who encounter a cougar:

  • Do not run — running can trigger a pursuit response
  • Stand tall, face the animal, and make yourself appear as large as possible
  • Make noise and back away slowly
  • Do not turn your back on the animal
  • If attacked, fight back aggressively
  • Keep children and pets indoors during periods of known activity
  • Avoid leaving pet food outside, which can attract prey animals that in turn attract cougars

Reporting Sightings

Anyone who witnesses a cougar in or near a populated area should contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) or the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Do not attempt to approach or corner the animal.

Cougar activity in spring is not unusual in Central Oregon, where the animals' range can bring them into contact with residential areas, particularly near parks, open fields, and the edges of town where wildlife corridors intersect with development.