The Curious Case of the Oregon Cougar That Wasn’t
Imagine the stir when a cougar was reported prowling around an Oregon park. Now, picture the chuckles when that fearsome beast turned out to be nothing more than a domestic kitty cat. That’s right, folks, a classic case of mistaken identity had the locals on high alert, but in the end, it was just a whiskered false alarm.
The Initial Cougar Scare in Cook Park
It all began on a seemingly ordinary Thursday when a vigilant resident, camera in hand, captured what they believed to be a mountain lion in the serene setting of Cook Park in Tigard. The footage was blurry, but the possibility of a cougar in the vicinity was enough to cause quite a commotion.
Public Warning and Heightened Awareness
Subsequently, the city’s public works department took to social media, urging the community to “be aware of your surroundings and leash up your dogs.” The message was clear: there might be a mountain lion on the loose, and caution was the order of the day.
ODFW Steps In: A House Cat, Not a Cougar
The following day, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) stepped in to clarify the situation. After reviewing the report from Tigard Public Works, they confirmed it was a false alarm. The supposed cougar was, in fact, a house cat. The ODFW took to social media to share the News, adding a touch of humor by noting that these mix-ups “happen more than you think.”
How to Tell a House Cat from a Cougar
In a detailed explanation, the ODFW pointed out the key indicators that helped them debunk the cougar myth. They noted the animal’s size relative to nearby objects, such as a tree and a compost bin, and estimated the fence height, concluding that the cat was less than one foot tall – far from the stature of a mountain lion.
Moreover, they mentioned the coloration wasn’t quite right, describing the cat as more of an orange hue rather than the tan of a cougar. The agency humorously added that it’s not uncommon for other animals, including dogs, house cats, coyotes, and bobcats, to be reported as mountain lions.
Community Relief and Gratitude
The Tigard Public Works department expressed relief at the clarification, acknowledging that while there have been confirmed mountain lion sightings in the past, this incident was a false alarm. They thanked the community for their vigilance and the ODFW for their swift assistance in the matter.
Living with Cougars in Oregon
Despite this amusing incident, it’s worth noting that Oregon is indeed home to a significant population of mountain lions. The ODFW estimates that over 6,000 cougars roam the state, reminding us that while this time it was just a house cat, staying informed and cautious is always wise when it comes to wildlife.
In conclusion, the tale of the Cook Park cougar serves as a lighthearted reminder that not everything is as it seems. It also highlights the importance of wildlife agencies and the role they play in keeping both the public and our furry friends safe. So next time you’re out and about in the great Oregon outdoors, keep your eyes peeled – you never know when you might spot a ”cougar” of your own!
