Anyone who sees a cougar is asked to notify the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

ROCHE HARBOR, Wash. — Three people reported cougar sightings on San Juan Island over the last three days, according to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office (SJCSO). 

The first two sightings occurred on Monday. 

A woman reported to 911 that she saw a cougar sitting on a stump when she was running along White Point Road. 

The second call came in around 7 p.m. A man reported that he and his wife were walking around the Roche Harbor Quarry with their dogs when their dogs started barking. The woman noticed a cougar about 30 yards away. The cougar was scared off by the dogs.

A third report came into 911 on Tuesday at around 9 p.m. A homeowner heard a noise rustling outside their home and checked their yard with a flashlight. They saw a pair of “glowing eyes” low to the ground. 

The SJCSO notified the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The department is tracking sighting reports and has notified its problem animal officers. 

Here are WDFW’s tips for if you come across a mountain lion: 


Do’s:

  • Stop, stand tall, and face the lion: Do not run. Running can trigger a predatory response.
  • Make yourself look large and threatening: Open your jacket, raise your arms, and speak firmly and loudly.
  • Back away slowly: Give the lion an escape route. Do not turn your back.
  • If you have children, pick them up: Hold them securely without turning away or bending over.
  • If you are with pets, keep them close and on a leash.
  • If the lion acts aggressively, fight back: Use anything available as a weapon (rocks, sticks, your backpack, etc.).
  • Protect your head and neck: If attacked, try to stay on your feet and fight back aggressively.
  • Report the sighting to the WDFW: This helps them monitor and manage wildlife populations.


Don’ts:

  • Don’t run: Running can trigger a predatory response.
  • Don’t turn your back: Maintain eye contact and back away slowly.
  • Don’t crouch or bend over: This makes you appear smaller and more vulnerable.
  • Don’t approach the lion: Give it space and an escape route.
  • Don’t corner or trap the lion: This can escalate the situation.
  • Don’t offer the lion food or try to feed it: This can habituate the lion to humans and make it more likely to approach in the future.