What animal was spotted at the Columbia Shores development in Pasco?

A cougar was reportedly spotted on construction equipment at the Columbia Shores development site in Pasco, Washington.

Did authorities confirm the Pasco cougar sighting?

No, the Department of Fish and Wildlife officials who visited the construction site were unable to confirm the cougar sighting, and the photos may have been an AI hoax.

Home / Environment / Cougar Sighting Causes Stir at Pasco Construction Site

Cougar Sighting Causes Stir at Pasco Construction Site

Q: How do Pasco residents typically react to wildlife in the area?

Salina Savage, a local resident, said she's accustomed to "crazy critters" on her property, including a large buck deer that wandered onto her back porch recently.

16 Oct

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Summary

Photos of a cougar on construction equipment circulated on social media
Department of Fish and Wildlife unable to confirm the sighting
Residents in the area are accustomed to "crazy critters" like deer

Cougar Sighting Causes Stir at Pasco Construction Site

On Wednesday, October 11th, 2025, photos of a cougar standing on a piece of construction equipment in Pasco, Washington began circulating on social media. The sighting occurred at the Columbia Shores development, a future site for houses and townhomes.

The news spread quickly, but by early evening, it appeared the photos may have been an AI hoax created by a construction worker. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials visited the site but could not confirm the cougar sighting.

Salina Savage, a local resident, received a text message on Monday night from a construction worker who claimed to have seen the cougar and sent her photos as a warning. Savage said she's accustomed to "crazy critters" on her property, including a large buck deer that wandered onto her back porch at the end of July.