Stockton Police: Do Not Approach Cougar
Oct 22, 2018, 2:46 PM
Photo: J.T. Chapman, Shutterstock
STOCKTON, Utah – The Stockton Police Department has a simple message: Don’t approach a cougar.
In a post on its Facebook page Monday, SPD warned the public that there have been “reports of a young cougar making appearances in town.”
Police did, indeed, encounter a cougar Monday morning in the area of North Sheridan.
The post described it as young and about the size of, or slightly bigger than, a German Shepherd. The cougar reportedly ran north and into the hills.
If you encounter the cougar, you’re asked to call 435-882-5600 to report it.
The police department offered a few safety tips to follow as it coordinates with the Department of Wildlife Resources to remedy the issue.
Don’t feed pets outside
Cougars will eat pet food, and the food can attract cougars to your yard. Keep pets indoors at night as well, as pets make easy prey for cougars.
Make your yard deer-proof
If your landscaping is attractive to deer, cougars will follow and hang close to your property.
Don’t provide hiding places
Dense vegetation makes great hiding places for cougars. Remove vegetation that could be a hiding place, and make your yard less friendly for cougars.
Have proper outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting and motion-sensitive lighting is a deterrent for the secretive cougar. Lights also make approaching cougars visible.
Secure your animals at night
Secure livestock in a barn or shed at night. If that is impossible, a small, well-lit pen close to a structure is the next-best option.
Keep an eye on the kids
Keep a close eye on your children when they are playing outside. Bring children in before dusk when cougars begin to hunt.
