Yesterday, a cougar was sighted around 3:30 pm near Coweeman Middle School and Kelso High School. Kelso Police Department, with assistance from Washington State Fish and Wildlife, set up a perimeter from Brookhollow Mobile Home Park (just east of Coweeman) to Kelso High School to ensure the safety of students and parents/guardians. As a result, the Coweeman Middle School football game was canceled. Kelso High School activities were delayed until deemed safe.

As of this morning the cougar had not been located.

The Coweeman Middle School / Kelso High School grounds are home to over 2200 students daily, as well as many after school community organizations. Many community members and participants walk to and from our school facilities. It is important for these families and students to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Please remind our children a cougar is not a house cat and should not be approached.

Kelso School District is making it a priority to educate our children about the precautions of this situation. All outside classes, activities, and athletics are implementing safeguards to maximize the safety of our children and staff members.

For information and guidelines regarding what to do if you see a cougar, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: www.Wdfw.wa.gov