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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

No cougar on Priest Lake island, officials say

Campers on Bartoo Island in Priest Lake reported hearing and seeing what appear to be a cougar on Monday, but a search turned up no evidence that a cougar had been on the island. The Priest Lake Sportman’s Association and volunteers used hounds to search the island Wednesday morning in conjunction with the Forest Service and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Bartoo is one of seven islands on Priest Lake, and includes a Forest Service campground. While no cougar was found, proper food storage reduces the likelihood of animals visiting campsites, said Jason Kirchner, Forest Service spokesman. A mandatory food storage order is in effect from April 1 through Dec. 31 for the Priest Lake Ranger District.