Ephrata PD: No verified cougar sightings despite online claims

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department received information via social media regarding a possible cougar sighting in the southeast portion of Ephrata. However, after investigating the posts, Captain Troy Froewiss said the department couldn't substantiate there was a cougar in town.  

The investigation began with a social media post saying three dogs had been attacked inside their fenced backyard in the southeast portion of town.  

“No direct reports were made to the Ephrata Police Department regarding a cougar sighting,” Froewiss said. “There are several posts, and then obviously that leads to dozens and dozens of comments.” 

Ephrata PD located the owner of the dogs who said the dogs were attacked Monday evening. The owner said they did not witness the attack; however, the veterinarian who treated the surviving dogs said the attacking animal could have been a feline.  

Then, Ephrata PD contacted the veterinarian who said they were unable to specify the type of animal inflicting the attack. They were unable to confirm if the injuries were caused by a feline or a dog versus dog.  

Following that, Ephrata PD reached out to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

“We wanted to make them aware and to verify they hadn’t gotten any reports,” Froewiss said.  

Froewiss said WDFW did not receive any reports on a cougar sighting in Ephrata.

However, Ephrata PD learned the Washington State Patrol dispatch received a report of a cougar running across Nat Washington Way near St. Rose of Lima School. This information had not been previously provided to Ephrata PD dispatch units.

Froewiss said they followed up with the caller and determined it to be a third-party report. The reporting party had seen a neighborhood ring camera comment about a cougar running across Nat Washington Way. 

“They did not actually see a cougar,” Froewiss said.

Froewiss asked the community to report any suspicious activity including dangerous animals to the Multi-Agency Communications Center Dispatch at 509-762-1160. 

“It would be beneficial to be involved early, to be able to solve issues before they turn into bigger problems,” Froewiss said.  

He said if someone does see a dangerous animal, the first thing they should do is get into a shelter and bring their animals and children with them.   

“It’s rare but we do have cougars out here,” Froewiss said.  

He then said call 911 or MACC and report it, to allow proper authorities to handle the animal.