Cougar Sighting on Oregon Iconic Rock Formation Closes Tourist Destination

A cougar sighting in Oregon recently prompted the closure of a popular tourist site because of safety concerns for both the visitors and wildlife.

Tourist Destination Haystack Rock in Oregon

Haystack Rock, a renowned rock formation near Cannon Beach and a beloved tourist spot had to be closed to the public on Sunday morning. This decision came after several reports of cougar sightings in the area. Witnesses claimed to have seen an adult mountain lion, a protected species, prompting the closure for everyone's safety.

To ensure the safety of both the public and the mountain lion, the Cannon Beach Police Department took action by shutting down the beach between Haystack Rock and the dunes. This measure aimed to provide the mountain lion with a clear path to escape. To manage the situation effectively, police, fire departments, and state wildlife officials were present at the site.

As a precautionary measure, the public was strongly advised to refrain from visiting the area until further notice. The authorities are taking the necessary steps to protect both the visitors and the well-being of the mountain lion, and they will keep the public informed about any updates.

Several seabird species use Haystack Rock, which has been designated as a protected wilderness area, and part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, as a place to nest. The closure was implemented to save local species, particularly tufted puffins, as well as tourists.

Cougar Sighting Reported

In recent days, there have been multiple cougar sightings along the northern Oregon coast. Earlier in the week, due to these sightings, a section of the Loop Trail at Nehalem Bay State Park had to be restricted as a precautionary measure.

The Cannon Beach Police Department took prompt action and shared information about the cougar sighting and the subsequent closure of the beach through their social media channels. They were faced with an unusual situation and sought the cooperation and patience of the public while they worked to find a safe solution.

To effectively address the issue, various agencies collaborated closely. This included officers from CBPD, Oregon State Police Game troopers, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officers, representatives from Oregon State Parks, the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, and Cannon Beach Fire. Their joint efforts aimed to manage the situation appropriately and ensure the safety of both the public and the cougar.

Throughout the process, the authorities will continue to keep the public informed and address the situation with diligence and professionalism.

Closure for Public and Wildlife Safety

The recent cougar sightings that led to the closure of Haystack Rock serve as a strong reminder of the importance of exercising caution and showing respect for the local wildlife. Updates were anticipated after the situation was handled and the beach would later be reopened to the public, with public safety continuing to be of the utmost importance, Economic Times reports.

Also Read: Big Cats on the Prowl: Five Mountain Lions Roam Around Colorado Neighborhood First Night of April 

Cougar Leaves, Beach Reopens

Later into the weekend, the cougar has apparently given up looking for avian prey, according to a report from the Associated Press. As a result, the popular Cannon Beach will be open to tourists again Monday.

Federal officials reported that on Sunday night, they captured a photo of the cougar leaving the rock through a game camera. Additionally, they found tracks in the area, which confirmed the cougar's presence and its departure from the location.

State biologists think the cougar went to Haystack Rock on Saturday night around low tide to hunt birds, a habit they haven't seen there before.

According to Megan Nagel, a spokesperson from US Fish and Wildlife Service, cougars have been observed visiting other comparable small offshore islands on Washington state's Olympic Peninsula, NBC News reports.

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