PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Cannon Beach is currently closed in the area surrounding Haystack Rock after a cougar was spotted roaming on top of the beach’s iconic sea stack.
Cannon Beach visitor Khula Makhalira told KOIN 6 News that his family spotted the cougar at the beach around 6:40 a.m. while vacationing in the area. Makhalira said that the cougar was last seen walking toward the ocean side of Haystack Rock.
“[The cougar] went on the backside,” Makhalira said. “I had to warn a family with a baby, so I stopped photographing.”
The Cannon Beach Police Department announced that the beach will remain closed until further notice.
“The beach at Haystack Rock is closed due to a cougar sighting,” the Cannon Beach Police Department stated on social media at 8:24 a.m. on Sunday. “We will update the public when it reopens, until notice please avoid the area.”
As of 12:41 p.m., the cougar was still seen roaming Haystack Rock. CBPD officers, Oregon State Police Game troopers, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officers and officials with Oregon State Parks, the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, and Cannon Beach Fire are on scene in an effort to protect the public and cougar.
“There is still an adult mountain Lion on Haystack Rock,” CBPD said. “The beach between Haystack Rock and the dunes is closed to allow the cougar an area to escape from off the rock. We ask for your help and patience as we work through this unique situation.”
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