6/6/2024
On 06/06/2024, the Skamania County Communications Center received a call from a hiker on the Cook Hill Loop reporting an encounter with a cougar. The hiker advised the cougar was lying down near the trail and watching him. The Communications Officer speaking with the hiker provided him with advice on dealing with wildlife while contacting Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The hiker was able to separate himself from the cougar and wait, safely, for Fish and Wildlife Officers to respond. The call was transferred to Fish and Wildlife for further investigation. No further details are available at this time.