EAST WENATCHEE – An attack on a domestic cat led to the fatal killing of a cougar on Friday.

On August 16 at approximately 12:30 a.m., East Wenatchee Police received a call about an animal disturbance in the 1000 block of North Colorado Avenue. The caller reported that his cat had been attacked by two cougars.

In a news release, East Wenatchee police said the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife recommended the cull due to the threat to public safety. Police were able to locate the cougars and kill one, while the other escaped police.

Becky Elder, police communications manager for WDFW, told NCWLIFE that efforts to capture the second cougar are still ongoing, but there have been no further reports since the first operation.

“It is currently believed that the animal has moved to a more suitable habitat and left the area,” Elder said.

Elder said WDFW generally receives reports of cougar sightings as the animals move from one location to another in search of natural food sources.

“In cases like this, where we receive multiple reports within a short period of time, it is an indication that the animals have become dependent on human prey or human food sources,” Elder explained. “In this case, based solely on the location, area and nature of the incident, it was suggested that the animals be culled.”

WDFW has outlined strategies to avoid conflict, including using garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, not feeding wildlife or feral cats, not feeding unattended pets outdoors, and blocking off spaces under buildings. A full list can be found here.

If someone were to encounter a cougar, WDFW says:

• Stop and take small children with you
• Do not run. Running and quick movements can entice an animal to chase you and possibly attack you.
• Face the cougar. Speak firmly to it while slowly backing away, making sure you give the animal an escape route.
• Do not take your eyes off the cougar, do not turn your back, do not duck or hide.
• Do not approach the cougar.
• If the cougar does not flee, be more forceful. Yell, wave your arms, and throw objects at the cougar to scare it away.
• If the cougar attacks, fight back. Be aggressive and try to stay on your feet.
• Use bear spray or pepper spray if you have it.

“These incidents are extremely rare,” Elder said. “However, there are ways to mitigate them, so being proactive is an important part of ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future.”

Authorities are asking the public to report any cougar sightings in the area to Fish & Wildlife Police at 877-933-9847. In an emergency, call 911.

You can find tips on how to avoid conflict and how to behave correctly when encountering a puma here.