September 22, 2000
Vol. 30, No. 303

For more information, contact Lloyd Alexander, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 302-739-5297 or Jennifer Hall, Office of Information and Education, 302-739-4506.

Cougar Spotted Again In Delaware

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control recently received a report that a cougar was spotted in southern Kent County near Adamsville. A cougar was also reportedly seen near Seaford earlier this year. Other cougar sightings have been reported periodically during the past few years.

'Although there is no doubt that cougars are potentially dangerous, we have had one or more cougars in Delaware for many years without any adverse contacts with humans," said State Wildlife Administrator Lloyd Alexander. "There have been no incidents of aggression, nor do we expect any."

If residents encounter a cougar that is injured or confined, they should call 911. Otherwise, sightings can be reported to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Communications Center at 1-800-523-3336.

A number of agencies, including DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Delaware State Police, and the Delaware SPCA are prepared to respond. There are no plans, however, for an all-out campaign to capture the animals, unless the animal is found in a confined state such as in a tree or building.

"It’s just not practical under most circumstances," said Alexander, "because cougars have a home range of many miles."

Should an individual encounter a cougar (sometimes referred to as a mountain lion, panther, or catamount), this is what experts recommend:

• While attacks are unlikely, children or pets are the most vulnerable.
• When walking or hiking, go in groups and make plenty of noise.
• Do not approach a cougar.
• Stay calm. Back away slowly. DO NOT RUN. Running may stimulate a lion’s instinct to chase and attack.
• Do all you can to appear larger to a cougar by raising your arms or opening a jacket.
• If a cougar is aggressive, throw stones or branches without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly to convince the cougar you are not prey.
• Fight back if a cougar attacks.
• Report all encounters to the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-523-3336.

-30-

(Document no. 40-01/00/09/31)

Want your news hot off the press? Sign up for the Press Releases List from the DNREC Online Email Lists.

DNREC Environmental Release Notification System

| DNREC Online Home | Divisions | Job Postings | Privacy | Translate |
| Publications and Reports Online | Links |

| Delaware's Home Page |

© 2002 Delaware Department of
Natural Resources and Environmental Control
89 Kings Hwy
Dover, DE 19901

Comments? E-mail the Webmaster
Information Request Form
Last Update: