Popular Oregon Coast beach destination closed after cougar sighting, authorities say

A popular natural feature on the Oregon Coast was closed to visitors Sunday after a cougar was spotted there, multiple agencies reported.

Haystack Rock near Cannon Beach was closed about 8:30 a.m.

“Fire and Police are down on the beach, closing the surrounding area for everyone’s safety,” Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District posted on Facebook. “Cannon Beach Fire is deploying jet skis to get eyes on the cougar. Unknown if it is on the rock or in the water.”

The department asked people to stay away from the area until further notice.

Multiple outlets reported Monday that the Haystack Rock area had been reopened.

“Early this morning, Oregon State Police and the Department of Fish and Wildlife observed tracks that appeared to be from the cougar leading away from Haystack Rock,” Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District posted on Facebook on Monday morning. “The Coast Guard just flew the area and did not see any signs that the Cougar was still on the rock. Please remain vigilant of your surroundings, Cougars and Bears appear to be getting more comfortable in town.”

Oregon National Wildlife Refuges posted a photo of the cougar Sunday captured by Khula Makhalria.

“Oregon State Police, Oregon State Parks and City of Cannon Beach Police are on the scene managing the situation,” the agency said on Facebook. “Haystack Rock is a designated wilderness area and protected as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The rock provides nesting habitat for a diversity of nesting seabirds including Tufted Puffins.“

The agency said someone spotted the mountain lion about 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

Cannon Beach is a popular tourist destination about 80 miles west of Portland.

This story was originally published July 16, 2023 at 12:54 PM.