WASHINGTON – There have been two reports of early morning sightings of a large cat – possibly a cougar – near a Fairfax County elementary school.
The cat was described as sandy or orange in color and was about the size of a large dog, with a tail as long as its body. Animal control officers searched the area but found nothing, Fairfax County police say.
The sightings of this mysterious animal prompted officials at Riverside Elementary School to cancel outdoor recess this week, according to the school.
Friday evening and weekend activities that use the school’s fields were cancelled. And students were told not use a path behind the school, according to an email sent to parents.
School officials hope outdoor recess can resume Monday, according to the email.
The email also says three wildlife cameras were set up near the school along with an animal trap.
But so far the cameras have not captured anything suspicious. And no additional sightings have been reported, police said Friday.
Fairfax County police warn in a statement that “if you see this animal, do not approach it.”
Instead, police advise urge residents to get to a safe location and call the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. An animal control officer will be dispatched.
According to the Cougar Fund, which works to protect these animals, cougars are also known as mountain lions, panthers and pumas. Established cougar populations are typically found in western states.
However mountain lions have been spotted in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia in the past, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
But Rick Busch, assistant director of the Bureau of Wildlife Resources with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, says it’s unlikely a cougar is stalking around Fairfax County and that whatever was spotted was a different type of animal.
“There’s no wild cougars in this part of the country any more,” Busch says. “There’s always the possibility that somebody had one as a pet and it just got away.”
The department offers a description of what cougars look like on its website.
Likewise, not all parents believe that the creature spotted was really a wild cat. One parent told WTOP it could also be a coyote, which are believed to be living in Fairfax County parks and have been spotted by park staff.
The Cougar Fund offers these tips to stay safe around cougars:
- Never approach a cougar.
- Back away slowly. Don’t turn around, run or bend over.
- Avoid looking like prey. Make yourself appear as big as possible. Raise your arms. Open your jacket.
- Sing or talk to distinguish yourself from prey.
- Always fight back and do not play dead.
WTOP’s Nick Iannelli contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on the WTOP Facebook page.
