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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Lassoing Legend ... Since You Asked: Law forbids ending self-service, too ... Wolf kills livestock near Grizzly Peak ... Lassoing Legend ... Since You Asked: Law forbids ending self-service, too ... Wolf kills livestock near Grizzly Peak ... Cougar spotted in Ashland's Lithia Park Comment By Caitlin Fowlkes for the Tidings MailTribune.com By Caitlin Fowlkes for the Tidings Posted Jun. 15, 2016 at 3:08 PM By Caitlin Fowlkes for the Tidings Posted Jun. 15, 2016 at 3:08 PM » Social News Although Ashland’s downtown area is tame, it neighbors Lithia Park, the tip of the Ashland watershed and the home of various wildlife. A cougar sighting on the morning of June 10 near the Parks and Recreation building in Lithia Park reminds park-goers to beware of wildlife even on the neatly cleared paths. “It’s pretty typical to see wildlife like that once or twice a year, but bear sightings are more often,” said Michael Black, director of Ashland Parks and Recreation. “Generally, (cougars are) pretty reclusive.” This is the second cougar sighting in Ashland this year, according to Sam Dodenhoff, assistant wildlife biologist for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. There were three sightings in 2015 and five cougar–related incidents, involving livestock and pet injuries or conflict. This year, there has only been two cougar-related incidents in Ashland. The park is required to post signs of sightings and safety information based on public claims. “In some areas of the park, it’s a pretty wild place,” said Black. “Because we’re so close to the interface of the city and the wild, we do what we can to take away any nuisances that may draw wildlife, such as trash.” The attraction for cougars is heightened by Ashland's deer population because mid-May to July is fawning season, said Mark Vargas, Rogue District wildlife biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Deer are cougars’ primary prey item,” said Vargas. “Although, a lot of predators are looking for fawn because they’re an easy prey source.” It’s no secret that deer frequent Lithia Park, especially the less populated fields. “There are so many deer down here,” said Black. “That is why we try to let people know that there is dangerous wildlife out here, too.” Cougar sightings in past years have been near the tennis court area of the park. “It is so rare that these animals bother people,” said Black. “They don’t have much interest in us.” It is recommended to not hike alone, keep dogs on leashes, make noise while hiking, be cautious at dawn and dusk when cougars are most active and to not feed wildlife. In the unlikely event of a cougar encounter, the cougar will most likely retreat. Always give the animal a way to escape, maintain direct eye contact and appear as large as possible, pick up children and hold them without bending, slowly back away, never run — and fight back if necessary. “There has never been a confirmed cougar attack in Oregon,” Vargas noted. All surrounding western states have had multiple cougar attacks. “Oregon has some of the highest density of cougars in the country,” said Vargas. “That’s not to say that no one has ever been attacked, but we’ve yet to confirm a single cougar attack.” Caitlin Fowlkes is a Daily Tidings intern. Contact her at [email protected]. By Caitlin Fowlkes for the Tidings MailTribune.com By Caitlin Fowlkes for the Tidings Posted Jun. 15, 2016 at 3:08 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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