On May 13, 2021, the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a close encounter between a turkey hunter and a cougar approximately 5 miles north of Goldendale near Ponderosa Park. According to the turkey hunter, he was calling turkeys and turned around to find a cougar standing behind him. Believing the cougar was going to attack, the turkey hunter kicked the cougar and yelled. The turkey hunter reported the cougar hissed at him and batted at him, but ultimately ran away.
The turkey hunter left the area and returned to his residence in Wapato, Washington, before calling the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office to report the incident.
Deputy Ben Corning spoke with the turkey hunter and responded to where the turkey hunter described. Washington State Fish and Wildlife Officers responded to assist with the case. A volunteer with the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Posse responded with hound dogs and began tracking the cougar.
The hound dogs were not able to follow the scent due to the time delay and dissipation of the cougar’s scent.
The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public of the dangers associated with cougars.
The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office also wants to remind the public not to delay in reporting dangerous wildlife.
