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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (July 22, 2020)
18 Wednesday, July 22, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon COUGARS: Residents have mixed feelings about cats Continued from page 1 Cougars can be killed if they become a threat. Heath said there is no such ODFW control action imminent. <We don9t have anything planned at the moment,= he said. <We hope it doesn9t come to that and most sight- ings don9t rise to that level and the cats just move on on their own. And that9s kind of the outcome everybody is hoping for.= Heath said that opinions and attitudes toward cougars mixed among residents of Sisters Country 4 including among those who have them in their neighborhood. <Some like having them there; they hope to see one; think that it9s their habitat,= he said. <Others want them out of there. So, it9s a balanc- ing act.= The Nugget Newspaper Crossword By Jacqueline E. Mathews, Tribune News Service Do’s and don’ts of cougar contacts ODFW has a list of do9s and don9ts regarding cou- gar contacts. Report any cougar sighting or encoun- ter to a local ODFW office (Bend, 541-388-6363), or the Oregon State Police. If you pay strict attention to the guidelines and should come into contact with a cougar in its territory 4 or wandering around in yours 4 everything should come out well for all parties. — Last Week’s Puzzle Solved — IF YOU LIVE IN COUGAR COUNTRY... " Learn your neigh- borhood. Be aware of any wildlife corridors or places where deer or elk concentrate. " Walk pets during the day; keep them on a leash. " Keep pets indoors at dawn and dusk. Shelter them for the night. " Feed pets indoors. " Don9t leave food and garbage outside. " Use animal-proof gar- bage cans if necessary. " Remove heavy brush from near the house and play areas. " Install motion-acti- vated light outdoors along walkways and driveways. " Be more cautious at dawn and dusk when cou- gars are most active. " Do not feed any wild- life. By attracting other wildlife, you may attract a cougar. " Keep areas around bird feeders clean. " Deer-proof your gar- den and yard with nets, lights, fencing. " Fence and shelter live- stock. Move them to sheds or barns at night. IF YOU RECREATE IN COUGAR COUNTRY... " Be aware of your sur- roundings at all times. " Leave your dog at home or keep it on a leash. Pets running free may lead a cougar back to you. " Hike in groups. Make noise to alert wildlife of your presence. " Keep children close to you. Teach them about wildlife. " Keep campsites clean. Sleep 100 yards from cooking areas. " Store food in animal- proof containers. " Carry deterrent spray. " Be cautious at dusk and dawn. " Never feed any wild- life. Prey attracts predators. " Do not approach any wildlife; stay at least 100 yards away. " Steer clear of baby wildlife. Mother is likely nearby. " Be alert when sitting quietly or stopping to rest. " Be especially alert at dawn and dusk when cou- gars are most active. " Be aware that animal calls and animal kills can attract a cougar. IF YOU ENCOUNTER A COUGAR... " Cougars often will retreat if given the oppor- tunity. 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, bear or pepper spray, tools or any items available. This Week’s Crossword Sponsors Greg Wieland L.Ac. Practicing since 1989 352 E. Hood Ave., Ste. E Sisters Acupuncture Center 541-549-1523 When the going gets tough, even the tough call us. Banr Enterprises, llc Consult | Construct | Complete Earthwork • Utilities • Grading • Rock Walls • Snow Removal Residential and Commercial Contractor CCB: 165122 www.banr.net | 541-549-6977