A runner reported seeing a cougar yesterday morning in southwest Bend.

The mountain lion was near Buck Canyon Road, west of Brookswood Boulevard, and ran toward the nearby Deschutes River after encountering the runner, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies who responded to the 7:45 a.m. call didn’t find the big cat, but did find cougar tracks.

The sheriff’s office advises people not to walk dogs at night near places where cougars have been spotted. Also, if someone comes in contact with a cougar do not run from the animal, rather move away from it slowly while keeping it in view. To report a cougar sighting in Deschutes County, call the sheriff’s office at 541-693-6911.