Update on 'Cougar' spotted in Oregon: was actually just large housecat

TIGARD, Ore. (KATU) — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has announced that the "cougar" spotted yesterday in Tigard’s Cook Park was actually just a housecat.

Tigard Police initially reported Thursday that a woman said she saw a cougar midday to the west of a soccer field area.

Parkgoers were told to be aware of their surroundings and leash their dogs.

However, on Friday the ODFW clarified that, after their investigation, they discovered that the park-lurking animal wasn't a puma but a standard-issue kitty cat.

"This happens more than you think," the agency said in a social media post.

The ODFW says they know the animal was a housecat because of its size compared to its surroundings in a civilian video.

"The fence [in the video] is likely 6 foot, which puts the cat at less than 1 foot in height," they stated.

Additionally, the ODFW says the animal's Garfield-orange color indicates its true nature.