UPDATE: Cougar Seen in Kennewick Shot and Killed

Statement from Benton County Sheriff:

On the morning of 3/30/2022 around 8:24 AM, our deputies responded to an animal complaint involving another cougar sighting, this time in the Finley area. Beginning last week, there have been numerous confirmed reports of a cougar in residential areas both in East Benton County and in Kennewick City limits. Today, workers in an orchard came across a cougar in the area they were working. The cougar did not startle and just remained on the ground in the orchard. Deputies arrived and confirmed the animal was an adult cougar that appeared to have a major injury to one of its eyes. Deputies contacted Washington Fish and Wildlife for assistance. The cougar did not appear to be frightened by the presence of deputies at all and just watched them for a while. As deputies set up containment, the cougar began to track two of our deputies. Deputies became concerned for the public’s safety due to the cougar’s actions, the presence of orchard workers, and the nearby homes. Our deputies decided it was necessary to shoot and kill the cougar. The cougar was turned over to Fish and Wildlife for their biologists to obtain samples and collect data on the cougar.

Original Post:

(Kennewick, WA) -- A cougar that Kennewick Police say was seen along E 41st PL on Tuesday has apparently been shot and killed. This happened Wednesday morning around 10:20 off Game Farm Road in an orchard. Deputies from the Benton County Sheriff's Office responded after the animal was sighted near people and other animals. Washington Fish and Wildlife says the cougar was shot and killed. Agents from WSFL are now on scene deciding what to do with the animal's remains.

If you happen to encounter a cougar, there are some important safety measures you can take:

Never approach the cougar or offer it food. Instead, try to look as big as possible by waving your arms and making vocalizations. Do not turn and run away as running combined with rapid movements may trigger a predatory response from the animal.

For more information on cougar safety in Washington, click here.

You can also reach out to WDFW by calling 877-933-9847.