Police Confirm Cougar Sighting in Gresham
Gresham police confirmed a cougar was spotted inside city limits late Wednesday night. Officers received a report at 10:30 p.m. from a resident who saw the animal perched in a tree near Springwater Trail High School. The location is in the 2000 block of Southeast Fleming Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of the cougar in the tree. The agency notified the Oregon State Police, which holds primary jurisdiction for wildlife management in these scenarios. The animal remained in the vicinity through late Wednesday as law enforcement monitored the perimeter.
Pattern of Recent Wildlife Activity
This incident marks the second documented encounter with a cougar in Gresham this week. Authorities euthanized a different cougar on Tuesday morning near Wilkes Elementary School. That earlier event prompted school officials to review safety protocols for students and staff in the area.
Local law enforcement has not linked the two sightings directly. Still, the frequency of these encounters creates concern among area residents. The proximity to two local schools heightens the stakes for police response teams.
Public Safety Guidelines
Oregon State Police urge citizens to exercise caution while outdoors. If anyone encounters a cougar, the standard advice is to maintain eye contact and back away slowly without turning your back on the animal. Residents should not run, as this may trigger a predatory chase response.
Officials request that residents call 911 if they spot a cougar walking in residential neighborhoods or near school zones. Do not attempt to approach or photograph the animal. Experts suggest that as urban expansion encroaches on local habitats, such sightings are becoming more frequent in the Pacific Northwest.
What Comes Next for the Community
The Gresham Police Department will continue coordinating with state wildlife experts to assess potential risks to the community. Officials remind the public that maintaining a clean property, free of food sources like pet waste or bird feeders, can reduce the appeal of a backyard to predators. Residents should keep pets indoors at night during this period of heightened activity. Monitoring local alerts from the Oregon State Police remains the best method for receiving timely updates on wildlife movement in Multnomah County.