Video from a doorbell camera early Saturday, March 7 shows the big cat trotting down the Sudden Valley driveway with the small dog in its mouth, then quickly climbing a tree across the street, McClatchy Media previously reported. Seconds later, a man is seen throwing rocks at the mountain lion, which drops the dog.<\/p>\n
Area residents have been reporting cougar sightings<\/a> since December.<\/p>\n What kinds of predators are native to Washington state? What steps can you take to protect your pets?<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to know:<\/p>\n According to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, some wildlife species can be \u201cpotentially dangerous\u201d<\/a> or cause problems, especially when humans enter in the picture.<\/p>\n Cougars, wolves and grizzly bears are considered \u201cpredatory wildlife\u201d under state law, the state wildlife agency said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe conflicts that occur with black bears, cougars, coyotes and moose \u2014 in both residential and recreational areas \u2014 are the ones most often reported to WDFW with concerns for human safety, pets, livestock or property damage,\u201d the state Fish and Wildlife Department said.<\/p>\n According to the Burke Museum<\/a>, other predators commonly found in Washington include lynxes, bobcats, coyotes, wolverines, badgers, raccoons weasels and skunks.<\/p>\n \u201cHuman population growth has led to habitat loss and fragmentation,\u201d leaving wildlife fewer ways to pass safely between habitats, the state Fish and Wildlife Department said in its \u201cGuide to Coexisting with Cougars in Washington.\u201d<\/p>\n As cougars and other carnivores travel through areas populated by people, Fish and Wildlife said, that can result in the \u201cincreased vulnerability of unprotected small livestock and pets\u201d and the possibility of those domestic animals becoming a \u201cnatural food source\u201d for wild critters.<\/p>\n In the spring, you are more likely to see wildlife<\/a> as they\u2019re \u201carising from winter sleep, migrating (and) breeding,\u201d The National Wildlife Federation said. \u201cWith warmth, plants grow and food becomes more abundant.\u201d<\/p>\n There are several things you can do to keep your pets, livestock and other animals safe from a potential wildlife attack, experts say.<\/p>\n That includes limiting food sources by securing trash cans, picking up fallen fruit, taking down bird feeders and thoroughly cleaning barbecue grills, the city of Port Angeles said on its website.<\/p>\n \u201cWild animals are naturally fearful of humans, but when we intentionally or unintentionally provide access to food and water sources<\/a>, their behavior can change,\u201d the city said. \u201cThis leads to interactions and potential conflicts between humans, pets and wild animals.\u201d<\/p>\n The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife shared its \u201ctop tips for coexistence\u201d with wildlife<\/a> in a Feb. 25 Facebook post.<\/p>\n They include:<\/p>\n Don\u2019t feed wildlife: This can cause animals to lose their natural fear of humans and spread disease.Secure your trash: Use bear-resistant cans or keep garbage in a locked garage or shed.Bring pet food inside: Leaving bowls out can tempt wildlife.Manage bird feeders: Keep areas clean and remove feeders when \u201cuninvited guests\u201d stop by.Keep pets supervised. Keep cats indoors and dogs on leashes.<\/p>\n Fish and Wildlife recommends keeping livestock in enclosures such as barns, horse stalls, kennels and coops.<\/p>\n \u201cFully enclosed carnivore-resistant enclosures to shelter animals from dusk to dawn are the most effective way to protect domestic animals when sharing the landscape with carnivores,\u201d the state agency said in its cougar guide.<\/p>\n You can also install fencing and other barriers and \u201cuse scare tactics, such as scarecrows, motion-sensor lighting or noise-making devices\u201d to deter wildlife from entering your property, the city of Port Los Angeles said.<\/p>\n You should keep a close eye on your pets when they\u2019re outside, according to Mark Jordan, associate professor of biology at Seattle University<\/a> and a co-director of the Seattle Urban Carnivore Project<\/a>.<\/p>\n That includes bringing your pets inside at night<\/a>, staying with them when they go outside to use the bathroom and leashing dogs on walks, Jordan told Seattle public radio station KUOW in April 2025.<\/p>\n Pet owners should also stay wary of predators in the sky.<\/p>\n In addition to coyotes, raptors including hawks, owls, and eagles can be a threat to cats and small dogs, Jordan said, although the risk from those critters is lower.<\/p>\n How can I report a wild animal encounter?<\/p>\n If you\u2019re experiencing an emergency involving \u201cdangerous wildlife,\u201d call 911, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife said.<\/p>\n To file a non-emergency complaint, call 360-902-2936<\/a> dial toll-free at 877-933-9847<\/a> or email WILDCOMM@dfw.wa.gov.<\/a><\/p>\n You can also submit a report online at wdfw.wa.gov\/about\/enforcement\/report.<\/a><\/p>\n In addition, you can report wildlife encounters to the Seattle Urban Carnivore Project,<\/a><\/p>\n A collaboration with Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle University, the project explores \u201chow mammalian carnivores live and interact with people\u201d in urban and suburban areas.<\/p>\n The project tracks these species:<\/p>\n Black bearBobcatMountain lionCoyoteOpossumRaccoonRiver otterRed fox<\/p>\n Loading\u2026<\/p>\n Related Stories from Bellingham Herald<\/p>\n![\"Wolves](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wolf_9.jpg\" "\\"Wolf_9.jpg\\"")
Wolves are considered \u201cpredatory wildlife\u201d in Washington state. National Park Service What predators can be found in Washington state?<\/p>\n A screenshot from video taken by a trail camera shows a cougar walking near the Galbraith Mountain parking lot along Samish Way outside Bellingham, Wash., on Jan. 13, 2026. Adam Morvee Courtesy to The Bellingham Herald Why am I seeing more wildlife right now?<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/438a32b6-ae53-4ec2-a1df-cecb11ce86eb.jpeg\" "\\"438a32b6-ae53-4ec2-a1df-cecb11ce86eb\\"")
A mountain lion walking in the wilderness. Stock Photo via Getty Images How can I keep my pets safe from wildlife?<\/p>\n