July 29, 2020 Potential Cougar Sighting

On Wednesday, July 29, the Mercer Island Police Department was informed of a potential daytime cougar sighting (at 7:10am) near the 6400 block of East Mercer Way. The sighting has been transmitted to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and residents are advised to report any other potential sightings directly to them at: (425) 775-1311.

This 2020 report is located close to the first sighting of a cougar this time last year (on August 5, 2019), but it is unknown if it could be the same animal. Last year’s initial sighting was photo-confirmed.

The City is closely monitoring the situation and has reactivated this cougar information page which will be updated as needed.

For general information about cougars in the Pacific Northwest, visit the WDFW website.