Another Confirmed Cougar Sighting in West Pasco Early Thursday

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Pasco Police confirm another cougar sighting, this one near Road 90 and Sandifur.

See video below story (courtesy of Hector Palacio by permission)

Cougar seen 'jogging' down sidewalk at 2 AM

Not only did Pasco Police confirm the sighting, but a citizen captured some video of the big cat as it ran down a sidewalk in the neighborhood. Here is a still image from that video. When you watch it, it's clearly a cougar.

Cougar in Pasco (Video still)

The cat was obviously aware of the lights and vehicle 'pacing' it and it was loping along quickly, but not a 'dead run.'

It appeared to be medium to slightly larger in size, no idea if male or female. Fish and Wildlife have been notified.

As we reported earlier, these cougars are dispersing, as DFW officials say. They tend to follow rivers and many of them end up here as they are wandering. They're very nomadic animals, will cover lots of ground searching for food, water and places to rest.

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Chances are this big cat will be miles away within a few days, according to what we know about their habits. Pasco PD reiterated what to do if you come face to face with one:

"Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

• Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If you have small children with you, pick them up if possible so that they don't panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.

• Do not crouch down or bend over. A human standing up is just not the right shape for a lion's prey. Conversely, a person squatting or bending over resembles a four-legged prey animal. In mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching, or bending over, even when picking up children."

Also, when in doubt, call local law enforcement, 9-1-1, and they immediately notify fish and wildlife officials.

Here is a video of the big cat running down the sidewalk (courtesy of Hector Palacio by permission)