August 13, 2019

Cougar Sightings

Campus Safety reported a possible cougar sighting on campus yesterday near Fir Acres and Evans. The Oregonian covered a cougar sighting in the neighborhood last month. 

If you encounter a cougar, you should:

  • Stay calm and stand your ground.
  • Maintain direct eye contact.
  • Pick up any children, but do so without bending down or turning your back on the cougar.
  • Back away slowly.
  • Do not run. Running triggers a chase response in cougars, which could lead to an attack.
  • Raise your voice and speak firmly.
  • If the cougar seems aggressive, raise your arms to make yourself look larger and clap your hands.
  • If in the very unusual event that a cougar attacks you, fight back with rocks, sticks, tools or any other items available.

If you see a cougar on campus, call Campus Safety: 503-768-7777.