Young cougar killed at Aspen Lakes

A young adult female cougar was killed Friday morning after appearing on a porch at Aspen Lakes east of Sisters.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services personnel killed the cougar.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Corey Heath told The Nugget that the cougar was "in very, very poor condition" and appeared to have been scavenging deer carcasses in the area "because it wasn't able to hunt for itself."

"It was on the porch, it was emaciated and it had an injured foot," Heath said.

Encounters with cougars are relatively rare in the Sisters Country, though there have been occasional sightings in residential neighborhoods, and some incidences of pets or livestock being attacked. Such circumstances usually end with wildlife officials killing the cat.

The Oregon Department of Fish and wildlife recommends the following if you encounter a cougar:

• Cougars often will retreat if given the opportunity. Leave the animal a way to escape.

• Stay calm and stand your ground.

• Maintain direct eye contact.

• Pick up 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 items available.