Bend, Ore. – Yesterday at about 6:44 pm, a citizen reported observing a cougar near the top of Pilot Butte, above the water towers, and laying about 15 yards above the trail.
Bend Police personnel located the cougar in the area described by the citizen. Officers were concerned for the safety of the numerous citizens frequenting the area, and started evacuating citizens from the area to ensure their safety.
At about 7:25 p.m. the cougar was shot and killed due to the danger it posed to the community. It was a large male.
Statement from the Bend Police Department:
“This is a difficult situation the Department took very seriously. The Bend Police Department has personnel trained to deploy tranquilizer guns on canines. These tranquilizer guns can be used on canines as a less lethal option. This tool was considered as an alternative to destroying the cougar. However, a tranquilizer dart can take up to 15 minutes to take effect on an animal and can create an even more dangerous situation in an uncontained area.
The Department’s primary objective is always to provide a safe community. The department is committed to safeguarding the quality of life that makes Bend a great place to live, work and play.”
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