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Shelter in place order lifted at schools after trio of cougars spotted feeding in Olympus Cove backyard

Posted at 8:09 AM, Nov 05, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-05 14:58:39-05

HOLLADAY, Utah -- Two schools were sheltering in place after several cougars were spotted in the Olympus Cove area Tuesday morning.

Ben Horsley, a Granite School District Spokesman, said Oakridge Elementary School and Churchill Junior High School were both sheltering in place after three cougar sightings in the Olympus Cove area.

Those protocols were lifted as of just before 9 a.m. but schools will not hold outdoor recess Tuesday and parents are cautioned to supervise children who walk home from school.

Jaimi Slade said three cougars wandered into her backyard and were feasting on a deer carcass. Cameras on her property show the animals moving around.

"We've had cougars and mountain lions come up the driveway before, and we've caught them on this camera on this tree right over here, but we've never had them stay for dinner," Slade said.

Slade said the animals left after about three hours. Wildlife officers came and removed the carcass, but told her there is a chance the cougars may return to look for the food they left behind.

Wild Aware Utah provides tips for avoiding encounters with potentially dangerous wildlife as well as advice for how to respond should you encounter a wild animal.

See below for their tips regarding encounters with mountain lions, which are also called cougars:

  • Stop. Never run from a cougar. Do not approach the cougar.
  • Maintain eye contact.
  • Pick up children and pets or keep them very close.
  • Stand up tall.
  • Do not crouch or squat.
  • Make yourself look bigger by raising and waving your arms or jacket above your head.
  • Talk firmly in a loud voice, back away slowly and leave the area.
  • Fight back if you are attacked! Protect your head and neck.
  • If you are aggressive enough the cougar will probably flee.