Cougar sighted near Camp Polk area

Cougars straying into human neighborhoods have made their presence known over the past weekend.

A paper carrier making early-morning deliveries in Squaw Creek Canyon Estates reported seeing one wandering through Cheryl and Larry Sheer's driveway, and another was reported (perhaps the same cougar) to U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services by David and Debbie Liddell near Camp Polk.

The Liddell sighting was close up and too personal for Debbie.

"The cougar has apparently been in the neighborhood for a long time and has not caused any problems, but I have several small grandchildren running around our place, and would rather not have a cougar in the neighborhood," she said.

She added, "If it does become too bold and poses a threat, then I would rather a wildlife official remove it, humanely if possible."

USDA Wildlife Services technician Jack Spencer met with Debbie's wishes and entered into an agreement with the Liddels to remove the cougar by the use of spotlighting, live-trapping, dogs and/or, as a last case scenario, shooting. Spencer said although the Lidells do have the right to protect their property and livestock, he would rather be the one to remove the cougar, as that's what he is trained to do.

"A private citizen without any wildlife training can cause a lot of trouble," he warned.

USDA Wildlife Services works very closely with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in such matters, and Steve George, ODFW wildlife biologist in the Bend Regional office, does not recommend "lethal action" to remove the cougar at this time. He, too, suggests that land-owners not take personal action unless there is a serious emergency, and even then, if possible, to call ODFW before taking such action. The regional office telephone number is 388-1659.

Apparently, someone in the Squaw Creek Canyon Estates area has been trapping wildlife and caught the cougar, but it escaped, causing serious damage to the cat's toes on one foot. Spencer thinks that animal is now hunting for domestic prey (cats and dogs) closer to residences, as it is probably incapable of bringing down deer and elk as it would normally do.

George again reminds residents throughout the Sisters area that feeding deer is like baiting cougars, especially a cougar with only three usable legs. He strongly suggests to be content to watch the deer go by on their migration to the wintering grounds, not try and keep them in the backyard.

Not too many years ago, another bold cougar was killed close to human habitation and when weighed was found to be only a little over 50 pounds, around 30 pounds shy of its normal weight. It too had been injured and no longer capable of taking down its normal prey.

Spencer said there is also a rumor that someone in the Camp Polk area is actually feeding the three-legged cougar. If continued, this will end up being the cougar's death warrant, and could lead to injury to a human.