Living with Cougars in the Welches and Mt. Hood Area

Cougars are an essential part of the Mt. Hood ecosystem, and their presence in the surrounding areas is more common than many residents realize. Check out this video we received from local Mike Eldred from E Arthur Hailey Rd.

Credit: Mike Eldred from E Arthur Hailey Rd

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Oregon's cougar population is robust and healthy, with higher densities in the Cascade Mountains where their primary prey, deer, is plentiful. That's great for the ecosystem, but it does mean that cougars occasionally find their way down to our neck of the woods.

As human development expands into their habitat, and as their population thrives, encounters are becoming more frequent. These elusive predators are naturally shy and generally avoid people, but they are opportunistic and may be drawn to residential areas by unguarded pets or livestock.

The key to coexisting is awareness. ODFW and local authorities recommend taking precautions like securing trash, not leaving pet food outdoors, and bringing pets inside at night. If you encounter a cougar, the advice is to stand your ground, make yourself look large, and make noise. Never run, as this can trigger a cougar's chase instinct.

By staying informed and taking simple safety measures, our community can continue to share this beautiful region with its natural inhabitants safely. Report any sightings to ODFW to help them monitor the local population.