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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 Grants Pass boy dies after raft capsizes on Rogue River ... Murders at Crater Lake: The slaying of auto-parts reps in 1952 remains a mystery ... Our View: Law lets lobbyists keep public in the dark ... Grants Pass boy dies after raft capsizes on Rogue River ... Murders at Crater Lake: The slaying of auto-parts reps in 1952 remains a mystery ... Our View: Law lets lobbyists keep public in the dark ... WILDLIFE Cougar seen in Ashland's Lithia Park Comment By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 3:28 PM Updated Apr 13, 2015 at 3:46 PM By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 3:28 PM Updated Apr 13, 2015 at 3:46 PM » Social News ASHLAND — A cougar is apparently getting pretty comfortable making appearances in Lithia Park, with several sightings in and around the park reported to the Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission over the last several days. Department director Michael Black said people have reported spotting the adult animal near the park tennis courts and in the upper portions of nearby Pioneer and Granite streets. "It's pretty low in the park, actually," Black says of the sightings, most of which are reported during the daytime. Because of the park's proximity to nearby forests, city officials say wildlife sightings, especially of deer, are common. But coming across a bear or a cougar is rarer. This cougar has been spotted in areas where deer are known to frequent. Park officials say there is no immediate danger to the public, according to a news release. All trails in the park will remain open, though signs will be posted reminding hikers and others there may be a cougar in the area. "It is advised that hikers avoid walking alone and that they make noise while hiking to reduce the chance of surprising a mountain lion," the release said. Pets should not be allowed to roam freely, and residents in nearby neighborhoods should not leave pet food outside, parks officials said. Anyone confronted by the animal should stay calm, make themselves appear large, pick up small children and hold them, and fight back if attacked. Anyone who spots a dead animal in the park should not touch the carcass, leave the area immediately and contact Ashland police at 541-482-5211 or the parks commission at 541-488-5340. The numbers are monitored constantly. Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected]. Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil. By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 3:28 PM Updated Apr 13, 2015 at 3:46 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... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site 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. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501