Multiple mountain lions have been sighted in popular areas of Oregon's North Coast, according to wildlife officials. At least two of these big cats have been spotted recently, causing concern among residents and park visitors. According to the Oregon Department of Fish And Wildlife, cougar sightings and encounters are rare, though it's estimated that around 6,000 cougars call Oregon home.
Three Cougar Sightings In The Last Week On The Northern Oregon Coast
On July 16, a mountain lion was seen on Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures and shut the beach down to the public for a short time. Additionally, a separate sighting occurred on the Loop Trail at Nehalem Bay State Park on July 14th (about 16 miles south of Cannon Beach), resulting in the closure of a portion of the trail. The situation took a surprising turn on Sunday the 16th when a second cougar sighting occurred at Nehalem Bay State Park (potentially the same cougar that had been reported on the 14th).
The cougar sighted Sunday in Nehalem Bay State Park is not the same one that was on Haystack rock, as the Nehalem Bay sighting was reported while a cougar was still being watched at Haystack Rock.
Given the recent sightings, authorities are urging the public to exercise caution while in the vicinity of these areas. While mountain lions are a natural part of the local ecosystem, it's essential to be aware of their presence and respect their space. Cougars can have a home range of up to one hundred miles. They're most active a dusk and dawn. Learn more about cougars in Oregon on the Oregon Department Of Fish And Wildlife page.
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