The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe warned families of cougar sightings Thursday. “Due to multiple mountain lion/cougar sightings reported today, Thursday, January 29, 2026, we are asking families to take extra precautions this afternoon,” the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe stated on Facebook. How to handle a cougar encounterIf face-to-face with a cougar, stop, pick up small children immediately, and do not run, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stated on its website. “Do not take your eyes off the cougar or turn your back,” WDFW stated. “The idea is to convince the cougar that you are not prey, but a potential danger,” WDFW stated.