This story was updated to reflect an additional cougar sighting on Aug. 1.

Recently, there have been at least two reports of likely cougar sightings on the island.

In the most recent report, Kathryn True of the Vashon Nature Center said that a family spotted what they intitally thought was a horse swimming toward Vashon across Colvos Passage in the morning of Aug. 1. But when the animal came up on the beach, just north of Camp Seatlth, they realized it was likely a cougar. The animal left the beach and headed off into the brush. Later, True said, somewhat obscured tracks, likely from a cougar, were found.

In the previous likely sighting, islander Suzanne Fiala said she and her visiting sisters saw a cougar in the evening of July 26 near her home on Van Olinda Road.

They all had a clear view of the animal near a neighbor’s livestock watering area before it disappeared from view, she said, noting it was taller than her pitbull with a classic triangular face and long tail with an upcurl.

“It was beautiful,” she added.

Fiala said she and her sisters were sure the animal was a cougar, as they grew up on 160 acres in Idaho and saw many wild animals as children.

“I’m a country girl, so I know what a cougar is,” she added.

It is not clear if the animals involved in both sightings were the same individuals. However, True noted that their locations were different, with the most recent sighting occuring on the west side of the island and the other considerably further north and east.

In response to the sightings, True suggested islanders take a look at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website, which includes tips on living with wildlife, including cougars.

“It is good to remind yourself how to act if you see a cougar, not just for Vashon, but for living in the Northwest,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of not running if people encounter a cougar, not to feed pets outside and to bring them in at night.

The website also provides several guidelines for how to act near a cougar.

• Stop and stand tall. Pick up small children. Don’t run. A cougar’s instinct is to chase.

• Do not approach the animal, especially if it is near a kill or with kittens.

• Try to appear larger than the cougar. Never take your eyes off the animal or turn your back. Do not crouch down or try to hide.

• If the animal displays aggressive behavior, shout, wave your arms and throw rocks.

• If the cougar attacks, fight back aggressively and try to stay on your feet. Cougars have been driven away by people who have fought back.

If islanders spot a cougar, they are encouraged to contact the Vashon Nature Center at info@vashonnaturecenter.org or 755-5798.