The Largest Cougar Ever Caught in Oregon

Oregon is home to some of the best nature and wildlife on the planet. The six months of rainfall, snow, and cool temperatures make it one of the most ideal climates for animals. They always have food and water access because of the wet seasons. One of many different species that call Oregon home is the cougar. Other than in the Portland area, much of Oregon is open with vast mountains and plenty of land for cougars to roam. There are plenty of cougars in the Oregon area, but some stand out more than others. This is the largest cougar that’s ever been caught in Oregon.

The Largest Cougar Caught in Oregon

According to La Grande Observers, a man named Chad Carlson took down a massive 180-pound cougar. Cougars tend to avoid humans. The fact that one this size approached a human means it likely intended to attack. The area of La Grande, which is roughly where this cougar was found, is in the northeast part of the state. This is one of the least populated areas. La Grande is known for having lots of different animals to hunt as well as many different hiking trails and outdoor things to do. But where exactly are most cougars found within the state of Oregon?

Where the Most Cougars in Oregon Are Found

It’s no surprise that this cougar was found in northeastern Oregon, as the Blue Mountain is known for having the most cougars. This is directly due to the climate in this part of Oregon. Most of Oregon is known for having two seasons – the rain and the sun. However, this part has all four seasons. As of late, there have been more and more cougar sightings that have been closer to Portland. The town of Portland itself gets mostly rain. It sits at the base of a mountain, Mount Hood, which gets all four seasons. If a cougar were to ever come up to you, there are a couple of different things you can do to ensure your safety.

What to Do if A Cougar Comes Up to You

It’s incredibly rare for a cougar to attack in Oregon, but there has been one fatal attack. Regardless, you should treat it like you would treat a bear coming up to you if it happens. Don’t turn your back and run away from the cougar, because this will only make it want to chase after you. Instead, try to make yourself as big and intimidating as you can. Even as you’re doing this, never walk toward the animal. This is especially true if there are kittens nearby. This will trigger the cougar into protective mode. Never offer the cougar food or anything that would make it want to approach you. As long as you stay still and make yourself as large and intimidating as possible, that will make the cougar stray away.

Does Oregon Have the Most Cougars?

Oregon is known for having many different ecosystems and animals roaming around. However, it doesn’t have the most cougars in the United States. That title goes to the state of Colorado. It’s not shocking to see that states like Colorado and Oregon are known for having lots of cougars. The weather in both places is what the animals are seeking. There are also many other animals cougars can feast on in both states. A lot of each state is surrounded by mountains, and more importantly, not people. Cougars aren’t very aggressive and don’t like being near people.

How Big is the Oregon Cougar Compared to the Largest Ever Caught

Back in 1901, the biggest cougar ever caught weighed in at an astonishing 276 pounds. This makes it almost 100 pounds heavier than the Oregon beast. While it’s impossible to know for sure due to the lack of pictures, we know that the animal killed that day is one of the biggest ever. This cougar was found down in Arizona. The climates of both are very similar, as the part of Arizona this cougar was found in is known for having all four seasons. On average, most male cougars weigh 140 pounds, making both of these huge outliers.

Oregon has some of the most amazing animals in the entire world, and cougars make that list even better. It’s always important to stay vigilant and safe while hiking. This is especially true in places like Oregon and Colorado, which are known for their wild animals. Cougars are important animals to the ecosystem and add allure to each state that they’re in.