Cougar Suspected In Death of Oregon Hiker

It is estimated that around 6,000 cougars reside within the state, and until now there's never been a fatal attack recorded. Neil McIntosh Flickr Photo.

The discovery of Diana Bober’s body in the Mt. Hood National Forest on Monday could potentially be confirmed as the first fatal cougar attack in the state of Oregon. Bober, 55, had gone missing after she went hiking alone on August 29th, according to the New York Daily News. Her family from out of state noticed a lapse in communication with her and reported her lost to the Gresham police. 

Bober was described by her family as a frequent hiker who felt at ease on the trails. Initially search and rescue discovered Bober’s car at the ZigZag Ranger Station and would days later find her body roughly two miles up the trail. It was evident that she was killed by some kind of animal attack, but authorities have yet to confirm the type of animal.

Related: Seattle Area Mountain Biker Dead After Cougar Attack

Brian Wolfer of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife believes that there’s every indication to suspect that the culprit was a cougar, which would make it the first fatal attack in Oregon’s history. Currently, the animal in suspect is being located by the local authorities, and hikers have been warned to stay away from the trail.

Where Bober's car was discovered by search and rescue. Google Maps Image.

If confirmed, this attack will follow the death of a Washington mountain biker in May , making it the second cougar fatality this year in the Pacific Northwest.

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stash member Katie Lozancich

TGR Staff Writer and photographer. Fond of bikes, pow, and dogs. Originally from Northern CA, home for me has ranged from the PNW to a teepee in Grand Teton National Park.