Cougar sightings in East Wenatchee

UPDATE 1pm

Sgt. Dan Klump with Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed a cougar was spotted near Baker street Tuesday night at dusk heading toward an irrigation canal.  After this morning's sighting near NW Cascade Ave. the cat may have headed in the direction of the green belt near the Columbia River.  Klump the cat was an adult but could not give a sex or size estimate.  He said tracking the cougar will be difficult in a residential setting and high temperatures expected over the next few days.  Since there have been no reports of predation involving small pets, Klump said for now, there are no plans to track the animal.

Klump also confirms an adult cougar has been spotted in East Wenatchee frequently over the last two weeks with an initial report of a sighting near Kentucky Avenue in late June.

Residents in the area should try to keep small pets indoors as a precaution and eliminate items that attract deer or raccoons into their yard.  If you encounter a cougar, make yourself big by raising your arms above your head and back away slowly, and avoid running.

Original Post

Rivercom dispatch confirms a cougar sighting in East Wenatchee this morning near the area of Northwest Cascade and 32nd Ave.  One person called NewsRadio 560KPQ studios about 5:30am to report a sighting.   An East Wenatchee resident posted an image Tuesday evening of a cougar spotted at 21st and Baker but it is not know if it is the same animal.  The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has not confirmed this morning's sighting but if you live in the area, bring small pets indoors as a precaution.