Possible cougar sighting reported at Gig Harbor-area park. Here’s what we know so far
Update: “PenMet Parks staff became aware of the cougar sighting through a social media post,” Denis Ryan, director of parks services, said via email Tuesday.
That social media post was made at 7:45 p.m. April 6, PenMet officials confirmed, and they don’t know of any additional potential cougar sightings.
“As soon as becoming aware of this report we contacted Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), published a public service announcement through social media and posted signs at McCormick Forest Park,” Ryan wrote. “The report stated there was a cougar in a tree in the vicinity of J and H trails.”
Update: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Jennifer Becar said via email about 3 p.m. Monday that: “WDFW cannot confirm this report as we have not been contacted with specifics about a recent cougar sighting in that area.”
Becar said anyone who wants to report a cougar sighting can visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/dangerous-wildlife or call 877-933-9847.
“The sooner we receive a report, the quicker we can provide assistance, as needed,” Becar wrote. “The public should remember that seeing a cougar doesn’t necessarily mean they are in danger. Information about safely coexisting with cougars, including what to do if you encounter one, is available on our website: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/puma-concolor. If there is an immediate threat to public safety due to dangerous wildlife, dial 911.”
Initial post: A cougar might be roaming McCormick Forest Park, according to a public service announcement PenMet Parks staff posted to the agency’s Facebook account.
The post Friday said they’d “received reports of a possible cougar sighting,” and that the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) was informed.
“WDFW asks that, in the event of an immediate public safety issue, wildlife violation, or an injured or dangerous animal, please call the WDFW Enforcement office at 360-902-2936 or email enforcement-web@dfw.wa.gov, or call 911,” the post said.
Denis Ryan, PenMet’s director of park services, and the WDFW Communications Division did not immediately respond to the Gateway’s request for additional information Monday.
The park at 10301 Bujacich Road NW is 122 acres and has about four miles of trails, according to PenMet’s website.
WDFW’s website says it’s “extremely rare” for a cougar to attack a human.
It’s important not to run if you do see a cougar, the website says.
“Face the cougar. Talk to it firmly while slowly backing away. Always leave the animal an escape route,” WDFW advises.
It’s also important to pick up small children and to try to look larger than the animal, WDFW said.
“Get above it (e.g., step up onto a rock or stump). If wearing a jacket, hold it open to further increase your apparent size,” the website said. “If you are in a group, stand shoulder-to-shoulder to appear intimidating. Do not take your eyes off the cougar or turn your back. Do not crouch down or try to hide.”
WDFW also has advice for what to do if the cougar doesn’t run away.
“If it shows signs of aggression (crouches with ears back, teeth bared, hissing, tail twitching, and hind feet pumping in preparation to jump), shout, wave your arms and throw anything you have available (water bottle, book, backpack),” the website says. “The idea is to convince the cougar that you are not prey, but a potential danger.”
And if it does attack, it’s time to fight.
“Be aggressive and try to stay on your feet. Cougars have been driven away by people who have fought back using anything within reach, including sticks, rocks, shovels, backpacks, and clothing —even bare hands,” WDFW says. “If you are aggressive enough, a cougar will flee, realizing it has made a mistake. Pepper spray in the cougar’s face is also effective in the extreme unlikelihood of a close encounter with a cougar.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published April 10, 2023 at 1:55 PM.
