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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (July 11, 2018)
38 Wednesday, July 11, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon PREDATORS: Several sightings in and around Sisters Continued from page 1 — is the main responsibility of ODFW, and this is what the department has to say about cougar: “Native to Oregon, cou- gars range throughout the state, the highest densities occur in the Blue Mountains in the northeastern part of the state and in the southwestern Cascade Mountains. “Their primary food source is deer, but they will also consume elk, raccoons, bighorn sheep, and other mammals and birds.” (And humans, pets and livestock, if they can get away with it; author’s note.) “Cougars are territorial animals and maintain home ranges of up to 100 miles. Most active at dawn and dusk, they are lone hunters. They are generally solitary animals, except for mothers who remain with kittens for about two years. “While actual cougar sightings have increased, coyotes, bobcats and dogs are often mistaken for cougars.” What ODFW does not state is that cougar run down their prey, usually leap on the victim’s back and pull it to the ground, using their long, sharp, and powerful claws to hold the prey and their equally long, sharp and strong teeth to break bones, tear up flesh and rip out vital organs. When that threatens to happen to a human being a great uproar goes up and the cougar is dispatched as quickly a possible. It is also destroyed if it’s bothering and/or killing a human’s pets and livestock — for a good reason. Humans have been killed by cougar in California and in Washington. Wildlife biol- ogists assert that you cannot outrun a cougar, on foot or on a bicycle. Here’s what ODFW sug- gests, on their website, should you come into contact with a cougar: • Learn your neighbor- hood. Be aware of any wild- life corridors or places where deer and/or elk concentrate. • Walk pets during the day and keep them on a leash. • Keep pets indoors at dawn and dusk. Shelter them for the night. • Feed pets indoors. • Don’t leave food and garbage outside. • Use animal-proof gar- bage cans if possible. • Remove heavy brush from near the house and play areas. • Install motion-acti- vated lights outdoors along walkways and driveways. • Be more cautious at dawn and dusk, when cougars are most active. • Do not feed any large wildlife. By attracting other wildlife, you may attract a cougar. • Keep areas around bird feeders clean. • Deer-proof your garden and yard with nets, lights, fencing and/or motion-acti- vated irrigation sprinklers. • Fence and shelter live- stock. Move them to sheds or barns at night. If you encounter a cougar: • Cougars often will retreat if given the opportunity. PHOTO COURTESY USNPS American Cougar…waiting. 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 and shout. • If in the very unusual event that a cougar attacks you, fight back with rocks, sticks, bear or pepper spray, tools or any items available. • Mountain-bikers should stay alert for cougar at all times. Do not try to outrun a cougar! Use your bike as a shield and weapon. Do not lose eye contact! Report any contact with a wild predator to ODFW. Warnings, advice and descriptions regarding con- tact with black bear and com- paring them to grizzly bears are on the ODFW website: www.dfw.state.or.us. You can also acquire informational brochures at any ODFW dis- trict office, or write: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 4034 Fairview, Industrial Dr. SE, Salem, OR, 97302. WOODLAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD Upscale new neighborhood is the epitome of charming Sisters! PHOTO COURTESY USNPS American black bear, licking his lips. 778 S. Wrangler, Sisters $544,500 Home-buying, it’s your journey and my privilege LEGACY REALTY Perfect for vacation, full-time living or AirBnB. Room for all your family and friends. 1,860 sq. ft., master on the main level, 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Quality construction, many upgrades, and low maintenance. Enjoy four-season recreation in Sisters! 262 S. Cedar St., Corrie C. Lake 541-521-2392 Lic#201218852 Sisters, Oregon (Behind Hop-n-Brew) Debbie Brown 541-419-8156 Lic#200511204 Sally L. & Dan JACOBSON Real Estate Brokers 541-678-2232 Open houses often... COME ON BY!
