SOUTH BEND — The South Bend Police Department reports a possible cougar attack on livestock in the area of the 100 Block of East First Street in South Bend.

“We have notified the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and are actively monitoring the situation,” SBPD said at about 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24.

Cougar are relatively common in Western Washington, where they prey on deer, raccoons, domestic cats and other animals. A sighting was reported near the Breakers in Long Beach earlier this winter. They tend to avoid people.

Cougars are considered public safety risks when they are seen repeatedly in daylight around areas of human activity or are attacking pets. If this happens, call 911.

If you see something, take a photo and say something. While cougar encounters are uncommon, here are some safety tips if you do come across a cougar.

Tips to prevent an encounter:

Stay alert, especially at dusk and dawn.

Keep dogs on a leash.

Don’t feed wildlife. Prey attracts predators.

Shelter pets and livestock indoors.

If you encounter a cougar:

Stay calm and maintain eye contact.

Don’t run, back away while facing the cougar.

Raise your arms to appear large.

Pick up small children, but do so without bending down or turning your back on the cougar.

Make noise: raise your voice and speak firmly, yell and clap your hands.

Fight back aggressively if attacked.

“We are committed to working with our partner agencies to ensure our community is safe. If you have any questions, please contact Chief Stigall at 360-875-5444 or email at lucas.stigall@southbend-wa.gov,” SBPD said on its Facebook page.