Parents warned about cougar near Skyline school
11:10 PM PST on Thursday, November 13, 2003
By JIM PARKER, kgw.com Staff
Parents were warned not to drop off their children alone Friday morning at Portland's Skyline Elementary School after authorities said a cougar or bobcat was sited near the school.
Oregon Fish and Wildlife agents along with Multnomah County sheriff's deputies were searching for the large cat Thursday night, but said the animal's tracks were difficult to see in the dark. They planned to resume their search early Friday.
Several parents reported seeing what they described as a cougar or bobcat late Thursday afternoon in a field next to the school, Skyline principal Ben Keefer said. By the time police arrived, nightfall had set in.
The school's Parent Teacher Association had formed a "phone tree" Thursday night, calling to warn parents not to leave their children unattended outside the school on Friday.
Keefer said he would also be keeping watch outside the building on Friday morning, but added that classes would continue as usual.
Skyline Elementary, located at 11536 NW Skyline Blvd., is the most rural of the Portland district's schools and officials said it's not uncommon for wildlife to be observed near-by.
"Deer and coyote are regular visitors to the fields and farms around the school," said Portland Public Schools spokesman Lew Frederick.
[ 11-14-2003, 05:58 AM: Message edited by: pdxkevin ]
Cougar near Skyline Elementary School
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