A wild cougar was observed near the water's edge at Cannon Beach, Oregon on Sunday, leading officials to temporarily close the beach area. The adult cougar was initially seen on Haystack Rock before 8:00 a.m., and remained there for several hours, as confirmed by police. Aerial views captured the cougar traversing the iconic rock formation.

Haystack Rock, a towering basalt sea stack rising over 230 feet, is situated in the Pacific Ocean just off the shoreline. To ensure public safety and provide the cougar a clear path off the rock, authorities restricted beach access between Haystack Rock and the dunes.

The Cannon Beach Police Department, along with Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State Parks, Haystack Rock Awareness Program, and the Cannon Beach Fire Department, collaborated in managing the situation and requested public cooperation.

The incident remains under investigation by the Cannon Beach Police Department. Further information will be released as it becomes available.