Yakima Police Alert Issued After Cougar Sighting: What Locals Need to Know Right Now

Yakima Police Department has issued a public notice about a cougar sighting in Yakima. Several instances of a cougar being seen in West Valley neighborhoods near Gilbert Park have been reported, and at least one call was heard about it over the police scanner on Tuesday night.

Authorities are cautioning residents who live in the area to be on alert and use discernment when letting children and family pets go outside of their homes.

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Drones, Coyotes, and Cougars: What's Really Going On in Town

After social media reports began buzzing about drones in the neighborhood, the YPD said they teamed up with the Washington State Fish and Wildlife department to help locate the feral creature.

A commenter on the police's Facebook page named Loren L. said that a cougar was captured on a house surveillance cam near Snowmountain Rd.

One media outlet documented photos of police conducting early morning searches in neighborhood backyards and also said the use of drones were used to help locate the cougar.

The cougar sighted near N 46th Ave, Richey Rd, Englewood Ave, and Gilbert Park has evaded capture thus far.

Cougar Sighting near Gilbert Park Neighborhood in Yakima, WA

In the meantime, other local residents are saying they've recently seen coyotes and raccoons in the West Valley area, too.

If you see any wild animals and are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call the YPD dispatch team at (509) 575-6200 or Washington State Fish & Wildlife Enforcement at 1-877-933-9847.