Corvallis, Ore. – Wildlife officials euthanized a juvenile cougar Sunday afternoon after it allegedly killed livestock and began stalking near homes just outside the northwest edge of Corvallis, a community along Oregon’s Pacific Coast region.
According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), deputies responded at about 3:37 p.m. Sunday to NW Camellia Drive, where the cougar was located and put down in coordination with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Authorities said the young male cougar had killed a goat the previous night and returned to feed on it in broad daylight, moving through multiple backyards without fear of people.
Officials said the animal matched reports of cougars seen on cameras within Corvallis city limits in recent weeks. Under Oregon law, wildlife that poses a threat to human safety may be lethally removed. ODFW noted that euthanasia is considered a last resort and only taken after evaluating risks.
“Cougars are an important part of Oregon’s ecosystem. Unfortunately, when they prey on livestock in a residential or agricultural area and become a threat to human safety, intervention becomes necessary,” Undersheriff Don Rogers said in the release.
Experts say cougar attacks on livestock often involve younger animals still learning to hunt. To reduce conflicts, ODFW advises residents in rural and edge-of-city areas to secure small livestock and pets at night, use fencing or guard animals, and install motion-activated lighting.
Sightings of dangerous cougar behavior should be reported to ODFW’s Corvallis office at 541-757-4186. More information about prevention is available at myodfw.com.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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