Cougar Spotted Near Bellingham Schools, Residents on Alert

Neighbors report seeing the big cat relaxing in brush near homes and schools, raising concerns about public safety.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A cougar has been spotted multiple times over the past two months in a suburban neighborhood just east of Bellingham, Washington, near several schools. Residents are concerned about the cougar's apparent comfort around people and are urging state wildlife officials to trap and remove the animal before an incident occurs.

Why it matters

Cougars are typically elusive animals that avoid human interaction, but this cougar seems to have taken up residence in a populated suburban area near schools, raising serious public safety concerns. Wildlife officials warn that cougars that become comfortable around people and domestic animals often have to be lethally removed, so prompt action is needed to address this situation.

The details

Neighbors in the Cable and Geneva streets area have reported seeing the cougar relaxing in brush near homes during the day, and the animal has been caught on home security cameras. Residents say the cougar has stashed fresh kills, indicating it has established a territory in the neighborhood. With three schools nearby, including a preschool across the street from where the cougar has been spotted, locals are worried an attack on a child is inevitable if the animal is not removed.

  • The cougar has been spotted in the neighborhood since early December 2025.
  • Residents reported the cougar sightings to state wildlife officials at the February 10, 2026 Whatcom County Council meeting.

The players

Nathan Stuart

A resident who lives near where the cougar has been spotted and has seen the animal several times.

Becky Elder

A community outreach liaison with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police, who urged residents to report cougar sightings.

Ally Moffat

A neighbor who is keeping her 4-year-old child inside more often due to concerns about the cougar's presence.

Geneva Elementary

One of the schools located near where the cougar has been spotted, whose staff has been made aware of the situation.

Whatcom Hills Waldorf

Another school located near the cougar sightings, whose staff has also been informed.

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What they’re saying

“Really, what's the concerning thing is that the cougar has taken up residence. With kids playing outside and the preschool across the street, it just feels as though something inevitable is going to happen.”

— Nathan Stuart, Resident (The Bellingham Herald)

“The sooner sightings are reported to WDFW Police, the quicker we can engage to determine if there is a public safety concern.”

— Becky Elder, Community Outreach Liaison, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police (The Bellingham Herald)

“(The cougar) is doing things that are not typical cougar behavior. It isn't showing typical behavior, which is worrisome. We're just all on edge. It hasn't come close to or attacked human, but we don't want that to happen.”

— Ally Moffat, Resident (The Bellingham Herald)

What’s next

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will determine if the cougar poses a public safety risk and decide whether to trap and remove the animal.

The takeaway

This cougar sighting highlights the delicate balance between wildlife and suburban development, and the need for prompt action by wildlife officials to address situations where large predators become too comfortable in populated areas, especially near schools, to prevent potential tragedies.