*Update* Cougar Shot and Killed by Benton County Sheriff’s Deputies

Benton County Sheriff's Deputies shot and killed a roaming cougar in Kennewick.

The cougar was located in an orchard Wednesday morning in southeast Kennewick. Officers believe it was safer to kill the cougar rather than move it.

The cougar was spotted in a southeast Kennewick neighborhood near the 200 block of East 41st place. There were 4 sightings of the cougar overnight.

Kennewick Police have confirmed a cougar sighting.

On Tuesday, Kennewick Police Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of East 41st Place for the report of a cougar sighting. Upon arrival, the officers were able to confirm the animal in question was indeed a cougar.

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Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife was called out to investigate.

Before biologists and enforcement officers arrived at the scene, the animal fled the area. They're continuing the investigation.

Pasco Police conducted an aerial search of the canyon where the cougar was sighted.

There have been additional confirmed sightings of a cougar in the area of West 4th Avenue and South Huntingdon Street.

What should you do if you come in contact with a cougar?

There are 7 tips to know if you sight a cougar.

According to the Kennewick Police Facebook page:

If you believe you have spotted the animal you can call non-emergency dispatch at 509-628-0333 or 911. If you encounter a cougar there are several important safety measures that can be taken. Never approach the cougar or offer it food.

Immediately and forcibly show the animal that you are a human by looking as big as possible by waving your arms and making vocalizations. Do not run away as running combined with rapid movements may trigger a predatory response from the cougar. For more information on cougar safety in Washington, you can visit https://westernwildlife.org/cougar-felis.../cougar-safety/. If you would like to reach out to WDFW you can call 877-933-9847.