UPDATE: One Week Later; No Additional Large Cat/Cougar Sightings

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The Fairfax County Police Department’s Animal Services Division has continued to monitor Riverside Elementary School and the immediate area as a precautionary measure based on last week’s reports of a possible cougar sighting.

To date, there has been no documented evidence of a cougar based on field investigation. Trail cameras were installed in proximity to the school to monitor wildlife presence.

Additionally, Animal Control Officers have patrolled the property on foot looking for evidence of animal activity consistent with a cougar.

Currently, the investigation has only documented the presence of white-tailed deer, fox, and domestic dogs.

If residents encounter wildlife or animal-related safety concerns, please call the police non-emergency line at (703) 691-2131 to be connected with Animal Control. If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

If you have potentially related information or photographic evidence to the animal sighting last week, send to fcpdwildliferesources@fairfaxcounty.gov  with contact information.

9/12/14 UPDATE: No Additional Cougar Sightings

Animal Control Officers and personnel from the Animal Services Division have been in the Mount Vernon Road area throughout the day. They have neither received nor observed any additional signs of large cat activity, nor received any reports of sightings. They have reviewed footage from surveillance cameras that were placed in the area overnight and there was nothing suspicious present. Additionally, the agency has been in contact with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and made them aware of the possible sightings.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation. Animal Services staff reminds residents: If you see this animal, do not approach it. Get to a safe location and call the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. An animal control officer will be dispatched.

9/11/14 Possible Cougar Sighting in Fairfax County Precautions Being Taken

Over the past 48 hours, Fairfax County Animal Control has received two reports of early-morning sightings of a large cat, possibly a cougar, near Riverside Elementary School on Old Mount Vernon Road in Alexandria. Animal Control Officers searched the area of the reported sightings but found no evidence confirming the presence of the animal.

The cat was described sand or orange color and was estimated to be the size of a large dog with a tail equal to the length of its body.

The Police Department’s Wildlife Management Specialist is working with Animal Control to set up wildlife cameras around the area and animal control officers will be patrolling the area tonight and early tomorrow morning, in case the animal is still in the area. Teachers and parents at this school have been made aware and are taking precautions to ensure that children are kept safe.

If you see this animal, do not approach it. Get to a safe location and call the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. An animal control officer will be dispatched.

Read more about cougars in our region: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/?s=050112