An aggressive mountain lion was tracked to a backyard where it was killed about 250 feet from an Oregon elementary school, police said.
Police responded to reports of the animal on April 18 around 1:15 p.m. in an Ashland neighborhood, city police said in a Facebook post.
The wild animal had attacked a person’s cat and other evidence showed it had attacked and eaten wild animals, police said.
Because the cougar entered the neighborhood during the day, attacked pets and was not afraid of people, conservation groups were called to the area, police said.
“All agencies agreed that the cougar was well above the legal threshold calling for lethal removal of the animal,” police said.
The cougar was found more than an hour later in a nearby backyard, about 250 feet from an elementary school, where it was killed by officers, police said.
His body will now be examined by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Ashland is located in southwestern Oregon, near the Oregon-California border.
What you need to know about cougars
Cougars, also known as mountain lions, cougars and panthers, are solitary, elusive animals, according to the National Park Service. The chances of seeing a mountain lion are slim, but people can encounter them.
“Typically, mountain lion sightings occur from a distance and usually around dawn or dusk,” park rangers said. “However, lions are unpredictable and can be dangerous.”
If you see a puma, experts advise you:
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Don’t approach it: Cougars usually want to avoid confrontation.
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Don’t run: it could stimulate their pursuit instincts.
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Stand up straight: look at the cougar and make eye contact.
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Keep children nearby: If a mountain lion approaches, pick up small children so they don’t panic or run away.
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Don’t bend or bend over: a cougar may perceive you as prey.
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Fight back: If a mountain lion attacks, use rocks, sticks, jackets, or anything else you can get your hands on to fight back.
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