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Residents report more cougar sightings; Benton County nonlethal grants discussed
Summary
Community members described recent cougar sightings and kills of livestock; county ag and wildlife services nonlethal grant programs and local mitigation measures were discussed.
Several committee members and public commenters described increasing cougar activity in the LC area and recounted a recent incident in which a cougar entered a barn and killed livestock. Speakers said younger cougars (one- to three-year-olds) were often implicated in problem incidents.
Speakers noted available resources and responses. Petra and others referenced a Benton County grant program for nonlethal measures that can provide roughly $5,000 for deterrents such as high-powered lights, air horns and other measures. A speaker described using flashing lights and receiving two grant awards for nonlethal measures.
Panelists who attended a recent cougar-focused meeting included representatives from the Oregon Department of Forestry (Jason Kirchner), Benton County Ag and Wildlife Protection Services (identified as Shay Stygast), USDA (Brian Thomas) and the Oregon Trappers Association (Stanley/Stan Steele). Attendees said contacting USDA directly is an option for livestock problems and that response times can be rapid when the correct office is reached.
Committee members recommended that residents carry bear spray in cougar habitat and described local nonlethal deterrents such as air horns and high-visibility lights. The CAC agreed to include follow-up information in community communications.
Ending: The committee recommended publishing contact information and guidance on available Benton County nonlethal grants and state/federal contacts for livestock incidents.
