Due to reports of cougar sightings on the famous rock formation known as Haystack Rock, a popular tourist attraction close to Cannon Beach, was closed to the general public. The beach was shut down for everyone’s safety on Sunday morning after witnesses claimed to have seen the cougar.
In order to give the mountain lion a path of escape, the Cannon Beach Police Department closed the beach between Haystack Rock and the dunes after confirming the presence of an adult mountain lion there. To protect the general public and the well-being of the animal, police, fire departments, and state wildlife officials were on hand. Until further notice, the public was advised to stay away from the area.
Several seabird species use Haystack Rock, a designated wilderness area protected as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, as a place to nest. The closure was implemented in order to save local species, particularly tufted puffins, as well as tourists.
This was the second cougar sighting in recent days on the northern Oregon coast. Due to many cougar sightings earlier in the week, a portion of the Loop Trail at Nehalem Bay State Park had been restricted.
The tweet below confirms the news:
A cougar has taken command of Haystack Rock, closing the tide pools and a stretch of Cannon Beach pic.twitter.com/FMf2EgO0Dn
— Steve Duin (@SteveDuin) July 16, 2023
The Cannon Beach Police Department posted information on social media regarding the cougar sighting and beach closure. As they handled the unusual circumstance and attempted to find a safe solution, they asked for the public’s cooperation and patience.
Officers from CBPD, Oregon State Police Game troopers, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officers, representatives from Oregon State Parks, the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, and Cannon Beach Fire all worked together to manage the issue. Their presence was intended to maintain safety for the general public and the cougar while resolving the conflict amicably.
The necessity for caution and consideration for the local fauna was brought home by the closing of Haystack Rock as a result of cougar sightings. Public safety remained a key concern, and it was anticipated that updates would be given as soon as the problem had been resolved and the beach was once again accessible to the general public.
We’ll update you if this news changes. Visit our website Focushillsboro for the latest news on this issue.
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