Mercer Island Cougar Hasn't Been Seen Since Monday

MERCER ISLAND, WA — Mercer Island's most famous new resident is MIA, it appears.

The cougar spotted on the southeast side of the island on Aug. 5 has not been seen since he (or she) was photographed by a resident's surveillance camera. The cougar was seen at Pioneer Park, and later strutting down East Mercer Way just before dawn.

State wildlife officials brought a special K9 tracking dog to Pioneer Park on Tuesday night. After hours of searching, there was no sign of the cougar.

Wildlife officials will continue to look for the big cat. There are also signs in Pioneer Park warning residents about the sighting.

In the meantime, contact either Fish and Wildlife Sgt. Kim Chandler at (425) 775-1311 extension 122 or Mercer Island police at (425) 577-5656 if you see the cat.