Cougar spotted in Salem cemetery

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Story Published: Jul 1, 2009 at 1:31 PM PST

By Adam Ghassemi KATU News and KATU.com Staff

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SALEM, Ore. - Cougars are all over Oregon but for people in one Salem neighborhood, they are a little too close to home.

A woman claims she saw a cougar in Belcrest Memorial Park Cemetery on Saturday and now state Fish and Wildlife officers are posting signs along a nearby wooded trail to warn people.

A house cat turned up dead and a dog was bitten over the weekend in the same neighborhood and even though a coyote may be to blame in those instances, people are still urged to be on alert.

If you come across a cougar, officials say you should stay calm and never turn around and run. Also, make yourself as big and as loud as possible. And if you do get attacked, fight back.

Here are some more tips to ward off cougars and coyotes:

Do not feed coyotes.
Bird feeders should be positioned so that coyotes can’t get the feed. Coyotes are attracted by bread, table scraps, and even seed. They may also be attracted by birds and rodents that come to the feeders.
Do not discard edible garbage where coyotes can get to it.
Secure garbage containers and eliminate garbage odors.
Feed pets indoors whenever possible. Pick up any leftovers if feeding outdoors. Store pet and livestock feed where it is inaccessible to wildlife.
Don’t leave small children unattended outside if coyotes have been frequenting the area.
Don’t allow pets to run free. Keep them safely confined and provide secure nighttime housing for them. Walk your dog on a leash and accompany your pet outside, especially at night. Provide secure shelters for poultry, rabbits, and other vulnerable animals.
Discourage coyotes from frequenting your area. If you start seeing coyotes around your home or property, chase them away by shouting, making loud noises or throwing rocks.

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