COUGARS SPOTTED ON SOU CAMPUS


News Release from Ashland Police Dept.
Posted: October 29th, 2018 9:20 AM

On October 28, 2018 at approximately 10:00 p.m. Ashland police officers and SOU Campus Public Safety officers responded to the area of Hannon Library to investigate the siting of two cougars. Officers were able to compel one of the cougars away by making noise. The other, larger, cat would not leave the area. The police chief made the decision that the cat had to be put down as it presented an ongoing danger to the community, especially in such close proximity to the Hannon Library, which was open at the time. One shot was fired at and missed the cougar. The cougar then left the area. The police officers involved in this ensured that a proper back stop (area immediately behind the target that can safely absorb the bullet) was in place, and at no time was there a danger to anyone from the discharge of the weapon. It is the Ashland Police Department's responsibility to ensure the safety of all members of the community. The decision to put down a cougar is not made lightly. Each encounter with a cougar has to be analyzed on its own and appropriate decisions made. 

Contact Info:

Police Chief Tighe O'Meara
541-482-5211 Police Department