viewer Robert Chesney sent these pictures of a cougar on his deck This is at the west end of River Bend Drive in Deschutes River Woods southwest of Bend Chesney says the cougar was outside his house for 45 minutes He says he called officers and they used darts to take him out of the area If you would like to share your videos or images with us KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here This week…high tech robots and drones will be used on 156 acres of wildfire fuels in Deschutes River Woods.   It’s coming thanks to an Oregon State Fire Marshal grant awarded to Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District number 2 If you need help accessing the online public file due to a disability, please contact us Built on Envisionwise Technology (KTVZ) --   The Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District is starting to clear bush from hundreds of acres near the Deschutes River Woods community south of Bend They're conducting about 825 acres of brush mowing operations along the west side of Highway 97 between mileposts 145 and 148 near Deschutes River Woods south of Bend The work began Monday and will continue for the next few months "They are strategically being conducted near Deschutes River Woods and near railroad infrastructure to reduce wildfire risk to those values," Deschutes National Forest Public Affairs and Partnership Affairs Officer Kaitlyn Webb said Monday Operations are strategically being conducted within the wildland urban interface directly adjacent to the community of Deschutes River Woods and along railroad infrastructure to reduce wildfire risk to these values A Deschutes River Woods resident understands the impact.  "I think it's critically important," Terry Humphrey said "The wildfire danger is increasing dramatically every year." "I worked in fire programs and all over the West and I've never seen anything this extreme," Humphrey added Mowing operations reduce the height and density of brush thick brush can pose a serious risk for wildfires that burn with high intensity and are more challenging for firefighters to safely suppress No trail or road closures are anticipated with the project but the Forest Service has asked the public to be aware of the work and avoid areas where brush mowing operations are occurring Mowing is scheduled during fall and winter months to take advantage of cooler weather and increased moisture as well as to minimize impacts to ground-nesting birds and other wildlife This work is a part of the 25,804-acre Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project which will improve forest resilience against large-scale disturbance events such as high-intensity wildfire damaging insects and disease south of Bend.  "That includes a whole suite of restoration treatments So there's a number of different treatments that we do over the years in a set of order." The implementation of this work supports the Deschutes National Forest’s commitment to addressing the Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to reduce severity of wildfires and improve the health and resiliency of fire-dependent forests.  contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at (541) 383-5300 Kelsey McGee is a multimedia journalist for NewsChannel 21. Learn more about Kelsey here (KTVZ) — There are robots in the woods just outside of Bend and you might have even seen them while you're driving down Highway 97 Bend Fire needs to clear an area along the highway and railroad tracks near Deschutes River Woods and it's using that area to test a new program with some interesting technology They're using remote-control mulching machines made by BurnBot Inc. Its powerful carbide teeth are perfect for chewing up brush and shrubs to reduce fuels for fire The Burn Bot is operated by a technician who follows the robot around with a remote control The bots are diesel-powered and can clear four to five acres a day on a 10-gallon tank The primary reason for using these robots is they can be safer than manned vehicles "If you're thinking of a 20-person hand crew that's coming in and doing this fuels mitigation work There's less people around the train tracks and the equipment themselves are pretty safe." These BurnBots can handle tough terrain and steep slopes which could be dangerous for an operator to drive over human crews are not going to be replaced any time soon but hand crews are used to delimb and trim trees the senior director of field operations for Burn Bot and we will always have a place in fuel reduction work We just want to make sure that they are being used in the areas that they can be the most effective where we can be effective for them as well and helping them achieve their fuels mitigation goals is kind of how we've been working together." We could be seeing more BurnBots in the future Bend Fire has some other projects in mind for them The robotics companies also have other models for larger-scale jobs and even robots that can do controlled burns Tyson Beauchemin is a photojournalist for NewsChannel 21 OR -- A cougar was spotted in Deschutes River Woods The Sheriff's Office says someone reported seeing the big cat on a vacant lot on River Bend Drive at about 7:40 p.m Deputies responded and found the cougar in a residential area DCSO is in contact with Oregon State Police who are relaying information to the Department of Fish and Wildlife The Sheriff's Office reminds everyone to stay alert, hike in groups, keep dogs on leashes, don't feed wildlife and store food in containers. If you encounter a cougar that doesn't retreat, don't run, but make noise, raise your arms and prepare to fight back. Click HERE for more information from ODFW. If you are involved in a face-to-face encounter with a cougar or any dangerous animal (KTVZ) -- A fire traced to a doghouse heat lamp destroyed a fifth-wheel trailer in Deschutes River Woods on Thursday morning but a neighbor rescued the dog and firefighters stopped the blaze from spreading to other structures a structure fire was reported in the area of Riverwoods Drive and Choctaw Road Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering said.  Callers reported a fire at the rear of the property that had spread and was engulfing a fifth-wheel travel trailer.  It was also reported that a dog was secured in the vicinity of the fire and unable to escape.  the fifth wheel was found to be heavily involved in fire with adjacent combustibles and a doghouse also engulfed.  A neighbor was able to free the dog prior to firefighters' arrival The blaze was quickly knocked down by fire crews without damage to the main residence or other structures on the property.  The single occupant of the 2016 Crossroads Redwood fifth-wheel was displaced by the fire but declined Red Cross assistance.  Losses are estimated at $50,000 to the fifth wheel and adjacent combustible materials.   "The cause of the fire was found to be a heat lamp placed inside a wooden doghouse. The heat lamp was too close to nearby combustible materials and the resulting fire spread from the doghouse to adjacent combustibles stored on the property and the fifth-wheel trailer."   "Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community that while heat lamps can be beneficial in keeping pets and small livestock warm during these cold winter months precautions must be taken to ensure the heat lamp is used safely," Kettering wrote in a news release ensure that the fixture is rated for the bulb that you will use.  Heat lamp bulbs typically come in 125 and 250 wattage so make sure you are not overloading the fixture and wiring. " anything that produces heat requires space around it we recommend a minimum of 18 inches between the heat lamp and any combustibles.  More space may be required if the 250-watt bulb is used "Secure the heat lamp to ensure that it cannot be displaced or knocked over. The clamp that typically secures a heat lamp is not sufficient to hold it in place especially if it may be bumped by the animal.  A chain or a carabiner may be used to keep the heat lamp from moving." For more fire safety information, Kettering said to "please visit our website at https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue." Barney is the Digital Content Director for KTVZ News. Learn more about Barney here OR -- A Bend woman faces several charges after a weekend domestic disturbance The Sheriff's Office was dispatched to a home in Deschutes River Woods after a man reported his girlfriend was armed with a handgun and had fired a shot next to his head The caller said Gina Bendsneyder was sitting in her vehicle outside the house The first arriving Deputy conducted a high risk traffic stop and arrested the 54-year-old woman without incident Investigators found a loaded gun secured in her vehicle.  Bendsneyder is charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon Pointing a Firearm at Another and Recklessly Endangering Another.  woke next-door neighbor; no one was home; damage too extensive to find cause (KTVZ) – A fire destroyed an unoccupied manufactured home on the south end of Deschutes River Woods early Sunday morning but Bend Fire & Rescue crews kept it from spreading to nearby homes after a neighbor initially tackled the blaze from their side of the fence A neighbor across the street called Deschutes County 911 dispatchers just after 4 a.m to report a house was on fire on Faugarwee Circle Bend Fire crews found the house fully involved upon arrival but quickly stopped the blaze Derlacki said it was determined no one was home at the time of the fire The 1970s manufactured home was a complete loss Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the fire “The fire does appear to be accidental,” Derlacki said “but the direct cause can’t be pinpointed.” it is a complete loss for the family" who owns the house who live in Bend and were contacted in town "They are working with their insurance company to start the process of determining about rebuilding and at least getting the site cleaned up." Next-door neighbor David Lawler said they were awakened by the neighbor across the street who told them the house next door was on fire "It was scary -- as soon as we walked outside We thought the trees were going to catch on fire right now coming over the fence right now and it was going to get our house." “It was blowing hard flames at the fence line,” Lawler told us started fighting the fire from our side of the fence but the fire department was here in a very short time “The fire department did a good job of keeping the pine trees from catching fire.” Cascades East Transit will relocate the existing Route 30 (Bend to La Pine) bus stop in Deschutes River Woods from the Riverwoods Outreach Church to the Riverwoods Country Store The Route 30 schedule will remain the same and can be accessed at www.cascadeseasttransit.com CET officials said the new Riverwoods Country Store bus stop location will provide a safe convenient and accessible stop location for Route 30 riders “Relocating this stop benefits riders in many ways,” said Rachel Zakem “New amenities such as a paved and lit parking lot a designated space for CET signs and notices and access to restrooms will improve rider experiences along the route the stop’s new location on the east side of the railroad crossing will improve on time performance allowing the route to better adhere to its schedule.” CET said it received overwhelming community support to relocate the existing stop to the Riverwoods Country Store during outreach activities conducted in 2021 “We are thrilled to support public transportation services in Deschutes River Woods by moving the stop location to the Country Store Relocating this stop will help grow ridership and allow more people to access groceries and other amenities by bus.”  Visit www.CascadesEastTransit.com to find routes and schedules that work for your transportation needs. CET currently provides free Community Connector services Monday-Friday between Bend free with the exception of recreation shuttles (KTVZ) – Central Oregon drug agents raided a couple’s home in Deschutes River Woods south of Bend Wednesday morning seized marijuana plants and processed marijuana and arrested the pair accused of distributing the black-market drug by mail to the East Coast the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Illegal Marijuana Market Team working with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team and DCSO SWAT team executed a federal search warrant in the 19000 block of Manzanita Lane Postal Inspection Service intercepted a package of marijuana destined for Virginia DCSO patrol deputies detained a 49-year-old woman during a traffic stop A 50-year-old male resident was detained on the property when the raid occurred on the couple’s home The search led to the seizure of about 69 pounds of processed marijuana 160 marijuana plants in various stages of growth “Investigators have determined that the seized marijuana was intended for distribution across the black market in the United States,” the sergeant said The couple were boked into the county jail on charges of possessing and attempting to deliver amounts of marijuana that were 32 times the legal limit NewsChannel 21 policy is not to name arrested individuals until and unless formal charges are filed "The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office continues to prioritize the investigation into the illegal manufacturing and distribution of marijuana within the region," Vander Kamp said in a news release "Community members are urged to report any suspicious activities possibly related to marijuana cultivation by contacting the DCIMME team through non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 or via CannaFacts — Facts about Legal and Illegal Cannabis in Our Community at canna-facts.com "The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend its gratitude to all agencies involved in this operation including the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office Oregon Army National Guard Counterdrug Task Force "This operation underscores our ongoing commitment to safeguarding our community from illegal narcotics activities and ensuring public safety," the sergeant added (KTVZ) – Authorities shot and killed a cougar near a Deschutes River Woods home Sunday night hours after two men fired several shots at the animal they said was acting aggressively near a deer kill prompting an alert to area residents to stay in their homes The sheriff’s office received numerous 911 calls around 5:40 p.m about gunshots heard in the area of Shoshone and Baker roads Deputies arrived to learn two men had encountered a cougar in the area and fired “numerous shots” at the cougar One of the men said the cougar was seen killing a deer in the Baker Road area Sunday morning while they were walking on the road near the site of the deer kill they spotted the cougar about 10 feet away “The cougar was acting aggressive toward them so they both shot at the cougar,” Janes said in a news release The cougar later was observed hiding under a porch in a resident’s back yard and was seen going through yards in the neighborhood before deputies lost sight of it Based on safety concerns for area residents and the large number of people along the Deschutes River Janes said the sheriff’s office contacted an ODFW tracker to help find the cougar along with Oregon State Police and the ODFW tracker located the cougar within close proximity to another residence,” Janes said The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the cougar was a male deputies learned a nearby home was struck by a ricochet bullet fired by one of the men at the cougar both men were cited to appear in court on a charge of second-degree criminal mischief The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office issued a telephone alert before 6 p.m to 53 area residents that “there is a potentially wounded cougar” in the area of Shoshone and Baker roads and advising them to “stay inside your home for the time being.” Anyone who saw the cougar was asked to call 911 residents later were told it was safe to go outside again ODFW spokeswoman Michelle Dennehy provided this information Monday to NewsChannel 21: "ODFW was aware of situation and supported the decision to put down the cougar This cougar was hanging around residential areas and being seen repeatedly in daylight -- behavior that indicates a human safety risk "This is a common spot for cougar sightings (near river canyon) and often cougars are just passing through and it is not considered a human safety issue but it was likely the same cougar seen at Deschutes River Woods in late June It had likely stashed deer in the area to come back and feed "OSP Fish and Wildlife humanely killed the cougar (shot it which is considered a humane way to kill an animal by veterinarians) Cougars are periodically put down for public safety issues – 18 cougars were put down for human safety issues in 2016 The state estimates there are more than 6,000 cougars statewide https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/cougar/docs/2017_Oregon_Cougar_Management_Plan.pdf There had been other sightings of a cougar in Deschutes River Woods in recent weeks. On Wednesday, June 29, a resident spotted a cougar on a vacant lot on River Bend Drive and contacted authorities who said they had watched it head toward the nearby national forest a DRW resident said the cougar had gone through their yard and that deputies were looking for it In February 2019, a 135-pound male cougar deemed a "human safety threat" was tracked and killed in Deschutes River Woods (KTVZ) – A Deschutes River Woods resident spotted a cougar on a vacant lot Wednesday night and contacted authorities to the cougar sighting on River Bend Drive reported by a resident who requested an area check Responding deputies found the cougar near a vacant lot and an unoccupied home the cougar was seen leaving the residential area and heading toward the national forest lands northwest of the sighting The sheriff’s office passed information about the sighting to Oregon State Police who Kalmbach said will be relaying the information to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife "The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens of our community per the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife that to prevent an encounter with a cougar one should stay alert and store food in containers," Kalmbach wrote in a news release.  "If a person should encounter a cougar that does not retreat If you are involved in a face-to-face encounter with a cougar or any dangerous animal Below is a link to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regarding Living in Cougar Country  This site will provide information and guidelines on how to live safely with wildlife such as cougars: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/cougars.asp The primary purpose of the amendments is to create local standards for rural accessory dwellings units (ADUs) as allowed by Senate Bills (SBs) 391 and 644 A brief summary of the amendments are as follows:  and 19.22: Adds a rural accessory dwelling units as a permitted use in all designated rural residential exceptions areas including the Multiple Use Agricultural Zone and Rural Residential Zone 19.92: Adds definitions and approval standards for rural accessory dwelling units in compliance with the requirements of SB 391 DCC 22.04: Adds rural accessory dwelling units as one of the permit types requiring Lot of Record Verification prior to establishment Rural residential zones exist throughout Oregon rural residential zones exist outside of urban growth boundaries (UGBs) but are excluded from the state’s resource land (farm and forest zone) protections those protections allow residential uses only in conjunction with a farm or forest use a dwelling can be a primary use of the land state law allows counties to permit an additional dwelling on a property containing a house built prior to 1945 rural residential zones do not have any other by-right accessory dwelling options making inter-generational and alternative housing options difficult to achieve The Oregon Legislature adopted SB 391 into law on June 23 It authorizes a county to allow an owner of a lot or parcel within a rural residential zone to construct one ADU subject to certain restrictions and limitations SB 391 does not obligate a county to allow ADUs It also does not prohibit a county from imposing any additional restrictions including those relating to the construction of garages and outbuildings that support an ADU The baseline criteria for a rural ADU as outlined in Senate Bill 391 are listed below: The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners held deliberations for this proposal on August 9 2023 and ultimately voted to adopt the proposed amendments with certain modifications Staff will be coordinating final adoption of these amendments over the coming weeks Please check back in at a later date to review the final amendments and a timeline for formal implementation The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Monday to consider new residential recycling collection services for Waste Connections customers Waste Connections’ service area includes residential customers in Deschutes River Woods Sunriver and Crosswater subdivisions and surrounding areas For more information about the public hearing, please visit www.deschutes.org/bcc/page/public-hearing-notices View the Solid Waste Calendar OR -- A manufactured home in Deschutes River Woods was destroyed by an early morning fire A neighbor called 911 just after 4 a.m. and reported the house across the street was on fire they found the 1970s building fully engulfed in flames Damages are estimated at $25,000. No one was home at the time and no injuries were reported The cause of the fire could not be determined — Deputies recently seized more than 12,000 fentanyl pills and arrested three people as part of a lengthy drug investigation in the Deschutes County area The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said it had been investigating a group trafficking counterfeit Oxycodone pills in the Central Oregon area they pulled over 44-year-old William Warden Day III They say he had about 2,000 of the counterfeit pills containing fentanyl Investigators got a warrant for Day’s home and say they found more fentanyl and evidence of drug sales detectives say they tried to pull over two other people linked to the investigation identified as 30-year-old Ricky Fontaine and 29-year-old Jessica Estes CRIME MAP | Check in on crime in your area with Alert Nest Both ran away from the vehicle but were quickly caught by authorities Deputies say they found them with more than 10,000 pills containing fentanyl the Deschutes County SWAT team served a search warrant at Fontaine and Estes’ home on Faugarwee Circle in Deschutes River Woods and found more of the counterfeit pills and other evidence that they were selling drugs All three were booked into the Deschutes County Jail Day faces charges of Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance Manufacturing of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (felony) Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (felony) Fontaine was charged with Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance Estes faces charges of Manufacturing of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (felony) State officials tracked and euthanized a cougar that was seen roaming backyards in Bend last week according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.  which was deemed a safety threat, into the Deschutes River Woods area Saturday morning and killed it around 8:30 a.m. The cougar was a male weighing 135 pounds and based on its paw size which matches tracks previously found around residences, and the territorial nature of male cougars ODFW staff are confident it is the cougar deemed a human safety threat "While there is no longer an immediate human safety issue in the area Deschutes River Canyon offers excellent cougar habitat and prey (deer)," the release said "There is always a chance of encountering a cougar while recreating in this area so anyone who uses it should review tips on what to do if you encounter a cougar."  More: Should Oregon kill more cougars to safeguard humans? More: Oregon's first fatal cougar attack in the wild claims hiker near Mount Hood More: As cougar sightings rise near urban areas, does Oregon have a big cat problem? For tips on what to do if you see a cougar, see this website: at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/docs/CougarSightingSignFinal2.pdf Volunteers had helped search for Chase Hove in 2017 (KTVZ) -- Remains found by a hiker south of Deschutes River Woods 10 days ago have been positively identified as those of a Bend man whose disappearance nearly three years ago prompted extensive volunteer searches the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday A hiker reported finding the skeletal remains on Feb Forest Service land about a half-mile south of Deschutes River Woods Deputies and detectives began investigating the incident and said a state forensic anthropologist would examine the remains in an attempt to determine the identity and cause of death His beautiful soul will not be forgotten.” Deschutes County’s suicide prevention coordinator “Suicide is a devastating public health issue It’s important to remember that suicide is a very complicated act and that no single thing causes someone to die by suicide "We all can help prevent suicide in Central Oregon Make sure people you love know about available suicide prevention resources,” Schumacher added If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, call the Deschutes County Crisis Line at 541-322-7500 Option 9. You can also call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Central Oregon suicide prevention resources are available at: www.preventsuicideco.org/local-resources/ police were called to a domestic disturbance in the Deschutes River Woods Neighborhood Deputies learned two women struggled with the father of an infant child and then fled with the baby Police say 30 year old Amber Joy Skeele is the child’s mother but lost custody after being arrested for child neglect Police learned Skeel was from the Eugene area and early Sunday a state police officer spotted the car with the women and baby Skeele was arrested and the infant returned to the father Skeele is jailed in Bend on charges of Custodial Interference Burglary and Contempt of Court.  Possible charges for the other woman will be forwarded to the District Attorney for review (KTVZ) – A Bend man who allegedly engaged in “overtly sexual communications” online with someone he believed to be a minor female but who actually was a Deschutes County sheriff’s deputy was arrested Sunday night when he showed up at a store to meet her The sheriff’s office initiated an investigation in the last month regarding alleged online sexual corruption of a child and luring of a minor by Jeffrey Scot Kingsbury Kingsbury allegedly “engaged in overtly sexual conversations with whom he believed to be a minor female under the age of 16,” over a social media platform The contacts included sending “intimate images of himself to the alleged minor," the sergeant said and that he “described/requested explicit acts from the alleged minor,” who told him they were under the age of 16 but actually was a sheriff's patrol deputy Kingsbury offered to meet the alleged minor female in the area of Riverwoods Country Store on Baker Road in Deschutes River Woods He also sent photos of the vehicle he would be driving Surveillance was conducted and Kingsbury was seen entering the area around 8:15 p.m Several deputies and a K-9 team converged on the vehicle after Kingsbury got out and he was taken into custody without incident “Kingsbury was found to have brought a criminal amount of methamphetamine with him to meet the alleged minor female,” Wall said Kingsbury was booked into the county jail on charges of first-degree online sexual corruption of a child luring a minor and third-degree sexual abuse Jail records showed he was being held without bail pending arraignment and that his last known address was unknown Kingsbury was scheduled for arraignment Monday afternoon on a deputy district attorney's four-count charging document which lists a Class B felony charge of first-degree online sexual corruption of a child between April 23-27 luring a minor and second-degree attempted sexual abuse was charged last year with fourth-degree assault and menacing involving a woman and unlawful use of a weapon He has pleaded not guilty to those charges and his jury trial in that case is scheduled for May 21 found 'alive and well' a half-mile from care facility) reported missing New Year’s evening from a care facility in Deschutes River Woods was found "alive and well" early Tuesday morning amid an extensive search and after 1,000 area residents were notified through Deschutes County’s emergency alert system Deputies were dispatched shortly after 7 p.m to the report regarding Leland Albert Chase who was missing from a care facility in the 19000 block of Cherokee Road Chase was described as about 5-foot-7 and 170 pounds He goes by the name “Lee,” wears glasses and has short gray hair Deschutes County 911 dispatchers disseminated a message through the Deschutes Alerts system to about 1,000 residences in the area Sheriff's Search and Rescue crews also were called in to help in the search A new alert was sent to area residents around 12:45 a.m Wall later said Chase "was found alive and well a half-mile from his care facility" and taken to St Charles Bend for a precautionary evaluation "The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the residents of Deschutes River Woods and Sunriver Police Department for their assistance in this matter," the sergeant said.  Wall said “Lee is not dangerous,” but he “may be confused or cared if approached by strangers.” Two Oregon neighbors who shot at a mountain lion near where it was observed killing a deer earlier in the day were cited for alleged second-degree criminal mischief because one bullet ricocheted and damaged a house numerous residents called 911 to report gunshots in the area of Shoshone and Baker roads Deputies arrived on the scene and learned that Grant Haddix were walking near the site of the deer kill saw the cougar hiding in the bushes approximately 10 feet away and fired their guns at it claiming the mountain lion had been acting aggressively toward them one bullet ricocheted and hit a nearby house Also on FTW Outdoors: Leopard runs out of forest and knocks man off his bike (video) The cougar was later observed hiding under a porch in a resident’s backyard before continuing through yards in the neighborhood Deputies then lost sight of the mountain lion Based on safety concerns for those in the populated area the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife was called in and a tracker located the cougar near another residence It was shot by an Oregon State police trooper from the Fish and Wildlife Division ODFW spokesperson Michelle Dennehy told The Bend Bulletin it was likely the same cougar seen in Deschutes River Woods in late June adding that this cougar was hanging around residential areas and had been seen repeatedly in daylight Some commenters on Facebook and The Bend Bulletin were critical of the two men for shooting at the mountain lion and going near the deer kill in the first place “Shooting an animal in close proximity to residence is a stupid move and they should get bigger fines,” one wrote “The cougar was not stocking them directly and only protecting its kill They should have called the authorities first.” Also on FTW Outdoors: Fisherman photographs ‘craziest thing’ seen on a fishing pier “That Cougar was harassed for doing what it is supposed to do.” “How is a cougar that’s hiding in the bushes acting aggressively?” another wrote “What bothers me is why were they hanging around in close proximity to a fresh kill knowing the cougar was probably close by?” said another it appears that if they'd just left things alone [the ODFW] wouldn't have had to kill the cougar.” Generic photo courtesy of the National Park Service Battalion chief: 'They weren't intentionally burning on the closed day.' (KTVZ) -- Strong winds buffeted much of Central Oregon Sunday afternoon trees falling on houses and a burn pile rekindling and prompting evacuations in Deschutes River Woods Bend Fire and Rescue crews responded to a small brush fire in the 60000 block of Cinder Butte Road in Deschutes River Woods A Saturday burn pile came back to life on Sunday due to strong winds Bend Fire Battalion Chief Scott Wyman helped explain the cause "The owner had thought that he had extinguished the fire and the winds just fanned it back up and caused an ember to come out of that and cross his property line," Wyman said Monday Wyman says although Saturday was considered a burn day (outside of Bend there was a major misstep by the homeowner "A couple of things contributed to the fire," Wyman said just because of the amount of time it takes to burn that He said a resident can be fined for attempting to burn a stump "They weren't intentionally burning on the closed day and our fire marshal's office will review that and make the decision," Wyman said if the intention is good fines are usually not common." a forecast of strong winds is cause for concern Bend Fire and Rescue did not provide the cost of a possible fine Partial remains of cat buried near Bend cougar; moving cougars habituated to humans not seen as solution (KTVZ) – Law enforcement shot and killed three cougars in residential areas in southwest Bend and north of Sisters over the weekend determining by their actions that they had become too habituated to people posed a danger to pets as well and that relocating the animals would not resolve the issues Oregon State Police responded to assist Bend police and shot killed a cougar Saturday on Hitching Post Lane off Pinebrook Boulevard in southwest Bend after residents reported it was lying 10 feet from their property The cougar was near a porch when police arrived the partial remains of a neighbor’s cat was found buried beside it “Cougars tend to bury what they don’t eat initially and come back” to eat the rest and find domesticated cats and dogs are a lot easier than killing a deer a resident on Foothill Loop north of Sisters contacted authorities to say his dog had startled three cougars near his home One ran off and the two others ran up a tree The resident said he took his dog inside and returned a half-hour later to find the two cougars were still in the tree They were also still there when Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies arrived OSP troopers assisted law enforcement in both locations “Sightings of cougars in residential areas in the daylight It’s one of the factors for determining it has become too habituated to humans.” Authorities frequently are asked why cougars are not tranquilized and relocated and consistently note the issues with that option largely due to their territorial nature and the likelihood of new conflicts emerging “If you have a cat that is habituated to humans – if you move it to a new area it’s going to have the same issue,” Lea said Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman Michelle Dennehy also noted that “cougars are extremely territorial She echoed Lea on the issues of relocating cougars that have habituated and been seen in daylight in residential areas Tranquilizing a cougar doesn’t immediately render them harmless as it takes time for the drug to take effect “It’s tricky to do” without creating new dangers Last month, authorities shot and killed a cougar near a Deschutes River Woods home but recent years don’t show a rise in such incidents Dennehy provided a dozen years of statistics for Deschutes County regarding the taking (killing) of cougars due to loss of livestock or threats to humans and pets "These could be situations where ODFW or law enforcement killed the cougar or it could be members of the public," Dennehy said "Landowners may kill a cougar causing damage or public safety issue without a permit from ODFW though because of firearm laws in city limits it’s often law enforcement that acts within city limits." ODFW offers information and safety tips on their "Living With Wildlife - Cougars" page If you’ve ever dreamed of owning an A-frame one of these geometric abodes could be your next home Welcome to For Sale in the West, a new weekly series where we shine a spotlight on spectacular homes for sale in the Western United States. Have a home you’d like us to consider featuring?  Email us Check Out This Listing: Micah Swan of Kithkin Real Estate  Just across the street from the Yuba River and twenty minutes from downtown Truckee this two-bedroom A-frame is an eye-catcher with its blue exterior in the midst of the forest it’s just minutes away from Tahoe ski resorts making it a great retreat in the snowy season Check Out The Listing: Anna Kennerley of The Sharp Team This A-frame makes a major statement with a vaulted cover for the two-story deck that matches the roof of the home Located near the Deschutes River Woods with amenities like heated bathroom floors the home sits on a fully-fenced 1.63 acres with multiple fruit trees and landscaping Check Out This Listing: Cindy Robertson of Bend Real Estate, LLC if(typeof(jQuery)=="function"){(function($){$.fn.fitVids=function(){}})(jQuery)}; jwplayer('jwplayer_kjzieURD_WULyWvHs_div').setup( {"ga":{"label":"title"},"related":{"file":"https:\/\/cdn.jwplayer.com\/v2\/playlists\/Z9x0vSSH?related_media_id=pKDSsfem","oncomplete":"autoplay"},"floating":false,"playlist":"https:\/\/content.jwplatform.com\/feeds\/kjzieURD.json","ph":2} ); $jwplayer_id='jwplayer_kjzieURD_WULyWvHs_div'; one-bath A-frame is tucked into Soda Spring’s Old Kingvale community Decks on both sides of the home are perfect for enjoying the forest views and the home is conveniently in walking distance to the river for fishing and swimming Check Out the Listing: Carrie Holt of Coldwell Banker  This modern-prefab A-frame home was designed by Evolution Projects, as an extension of the Pass Life development in Washington’s Snoqualmie Pass Built by Buildhouse and designed by Stephenson Design Collective the two-bedroom home is a case study in modern mountain living while looking to streamline the iconic A-frame Check Out This Listing: Rob Frishholz of Windermere Real Estate/South Inc. this four-bedroom A-frame is full of natural light and even a bedroom with its own upper loft It also has plenty of space for outdoor entertaining with multiple deck areas and a small pond with a waterfall Check Out the Listing: Sandy J. Brown of Windermere Van Vleet Jacksonville  Check Out the Listing: Vicky Center of Lynne B. Wilson and Associates, Inc.  This little A-frame getaway sits on a private alpine lake in Washington Check Out The Listing: Dena Baker of RE/MAX Town and Country  and so much more delivered straight to your door every quarter Copyright ©2025 S Media International Corporation. SUNSET is a registered trademark of S Media International Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy SUNSET may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website Offers may be subject to change without notice .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a} Where in Oregon will you find the highest median incomes We set off to find out by scouring Census data and pinpointing which city — or town — in each of Oregon's 36 counties earns the most We downloaded population and income data from the U.S Census' five-year American Community Survey taken in 2014 The wealthiest places are the ones with the highest median income towns and Census designated places with fewer than 1,000 households We set that as our yield since a handful of residents earning above or below the median wage could swing the number considerably not every county in the state has a city with more than 1,000 households We added disclaimers to the bottom of every slide where a county's wealthiest place falls into that category Population: 9,777Number of households: 4,329Median income: $36,778 *Baker City is the only city in Baker County with more than 1,000 households Population: 4,597Number of households: 1,824Median income: $49,333 Population: 54,981Number of households: 21,588Median income: $42,488 Population: 16,462Number of households: 5,253Median income: $101,250 Population: 25,963Number of households: 9,892Median income: $85,464 Population: 9,537Number of households: 4,335Median income: $44,663 Population: 5,143Number of households: 1,898Median income: $42,606 Population: 6,839Number of households: 2,482Median income: $61,444 Population: 13,055Number of households: 4,610Median income: $45,225 Population: 9,583Number of households: 3,773Median income: $43,586 Population: 16,062Number of households: 6,734Median income: $38,780 Population: 9,266Number of households: 4,111Median income: $30,291 *Prineville is the only city in Crook County with more than 1,000 households Population: 2,346Number of households: 1,030Median income: $48,065 Population: 6,376Number of households: 3,043Median income: $40,228 Population: 81,870Number of households: 33,396Median income: $52,989 Next wealthiest: Deschutes River Woods (unincorporated) Population: 5,328Number of households: 1,980Median income: $50,466 Population: 7,895Number of households: 2,949Median income: $41,572 Population: 21,937Number of households: 9,612Median income: $39,670 Population: 596Number of households: 218Median income: $48,750 *There are no cities in Gilliam County with more than 1,000 households.The next most populated is Condon at 561 Population: 801Number of households: 329Median income: $36,528 *There are no cities in Grant County with more than 1,000 households Its most populated is John Day at 1,717 and a median income of $33,276 Population: 2,763Number of households: 1,211Median income: $34,627 *Burns is the only city in Harney County with more than 1,000 households Population: 7,412Number of households: 3,005Median income: $47,310 Hood River is the only city in Hood River County with more than 1,000 households Population: 8,701Number of households: 3,171Median income: $55,474 Population: 17,604 Number of households: 6,565 Median income: $48,984 Population: 6,487Number of households: 2,289Median income: $37,732 *Madras is the only city in Jefferson County with more than 1,000 households Wealthiest place: Three Rivers (unincorporated) Population: 4,232Number of households: 1,677Median income: $43,114 Population: 2,766 Number of households: 1,171 Median income: $39,120 Wealthiest place: Altamont (unincorporated) Population: 19,502Number of households: 7,680Median income: $40,245 Population: 21,261 Number of households: 9,015 Median income: $35,690 Population: 2,561Number of households: 1,206Median income: $35,672 *Lakeview is the only town in Lake County with more than 1,000 households AP photo by Brian Davies via The Register-Guard Population: 5,085Number of households: 1,919Median income: $53,449 Population: 159,615 Number of households: 66,093 Median income: $43,101 Population: 3,469Number of households: 1,233Median income: $47,188 Population: 8,386 Number of households: 3,876 Median income: $37,894 Photo by Foster Church/Special to The Oregonian Population: 3,660Number of households: 1,174Median income: $48,125 Population: 15,962Number of households: 6,509Median income: $40,530 Population: 3,189Number of households: 995 (Close enough Population: 11,089Number of households: 4,380Median income: $27,760 Population: 9,436Number of households: 3,543Median income: $57,483 Population: 2,796 Number of households: 1,208 Median income: $51,343 Population: 3,320 Number of households: 950 Median income: $46,304 *None of the cities in Morrow County have more than 1,000 households Population: 16,479Number of households: 5,830Median income: $60,340 Population: 612,206Number of households: 254,167Median income: $55,003 Population: 14,896Number of households: 5,667Median income: $48,843 Population: 8,772 Number of households: 2,932 Median income: $44,454 Population: 431Number of households: 199Median income: $32,823 *There are no cities in Sherman County with more than 1,000 households Population: 4,958Number of households: 1,852Median income: $29,889 *Tillamook is the only city in Tillamook County with more than 1,000 households AP file photo by Don Cresswell via The East Oregonian Population: 16,882Number of households: 6,282Median income: $46,772 Population: 17,121 Number of households: 6,222 Median income: $46,141 Population: 13,088Number of households: 5,399Median income: $39,135 La Grande is the only city in Union County with more than 1,000 households Population: 1,915Number of households: 815Median income: $38,264 *None of the cities in Wallowa County have more than 1,000 households Population: 15,136Number of households: 5,929Median income: $41,311 The Dalles is the only city in Wasco County with more than 1,000 households Wealthiest place: Bethany (unincorporated) Population: 22,346Number of households: 7,601Median income: $116,535 Next wealthiest: Bull Mountain (unincorporated) Population: 9,188Number of households: 3,097Median income: $96,976 Population: 401Number of households: 239Median income: $31,319 *There are no cities in Wheeler County with more than 1,000 households Population: 3,824Number of households: 1,103Median income: $56,629 Population: 22,566Number of households: 7,602Median income: $45,588 Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025) © 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Advance Local Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here Ad Choices The simple answer is yes, it snows in Oregon if you want to encounter wintry conditions in the region You are not likely to find heavy whiteouts like in the northeastern states since the average annual snowfall in Oregon is lower than the national average There is no need for bulky winter gear in most towns unless you visit the mountainous areas Oregon’s winter starts in November when the temperatures start to dip into the 40s during the day but light coverage typically melts away by morning while some seasons come with heavier snowfall The most notable snowstorms happened in January 2004 and early 2017 We’ve used a national database to determine Oregon’s highest and lowest snowfall regions The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a detailed repository with detailed climatic activity in various cities the highest-ranked cities or towns in Oregon in terms of annual snowfall are:  the ranking shows the Oregon localities with the lowest annual snow cover:  We’ve put together a rundown of the winter weather to expect in various locations in Oregon.  Crater Lake is one of the notable winter holiday destinations in Oregon The picturesque Crater Lake National Park is open all year round but looks stunning with snow cover.  Despite being partially closed to motor vehicles from November to May Enjoy fun winter activities at Crater Lake It is advisable to check with the park authorities about road closure before arriving This scenic town of about 6000 residents averages about 59 inches of snow annually and is a fantastic location for some winter fun The main attraction in Mount Hood during winter is downhill skiing.  Several skiing resorts provide the perfect conditions The town has sufficient access to the vast mountain terrain of Oregon’s most popular snow-capped peak Many of Mount Hood’s vacation spots get crowded during winter try some off-the-track sites like tilly Jane Be cautious when visiting these locations because they may get snowed-in Altamont is a relatively large town with close to 20,000 residents The month with the heaviest snowfall in this town is December This isn’t a significant amount of snow but you’ll still need some winter gear to get around comfortably what can you do in Altamont when the landscape is carpeted in the snow You might want to visit the Willamette Pass Ski Resort for sightseeing the temperatures plummet to an average of 47 degrees Fahrenheit with temperatures going down to 24 degrees Fahrenheit Don’t expect heavy one-time snowfalls in Deschutes River Woods but downpours can become more frequent in December and January Travelers brave the light winter snowfalls to enjoy themselves at the Deschutes River State Recreation Area The Cascade Ranges typically record the highest amount of winter precipitation in Oregon you get the right conditions for significant snow cover The loftier peaks support small glaciers and snowfields all year round The Cascade Mountains are unique from other regions of Oregon because the snowfall is often thick compared to the light showers elsewhere The heavy snow cover provides the right environment for winter skiing and snowboarding Klamath County is a small locality in Oregon that attracts visitors all through the year has one of the highest winter snowfall averages in the region.  The stunning landscape views provide the perfect backdrop for winter hikes and sightseeing Klamath is also making a name for itself as the snowmobile hub of Oregon Enthusiasts enjoy scenic rides from Lake Klamath shores to the Pelican Butte peak The rich powdery snow makes the perfect snowy surface for snowboarding Baker City is a small neighborhood with a rich history and plenty of activities The winter months experience increased precipitation and snowfall levels average 25 inches per year The winter snow offers new opportunities for recreation in Baker city. Some snow-related activities around the town include hiking, downhill skiing The Pacific Northwest has a unique climate that ranges from tropical to alpine depending on the season and location Oregon winters provide the perfect environment for wintry pursuits and here’s a list of the most popular pastimes The regular snowfall and occasional sunny days make the perfect conditions for long-distance skiing through the idyllic trails There are plenty of Sno-parks that offer professional and family-oriented trails This ideal family pastime can be enjoyed at several covered and open-air rinks around Oregon The Seventh Mountain Resort accommodates the oldest ice skating rink in the region with day-long sessions.  Mount Bachelors Snowblast Tubing Park boasts an 800-foot descent that any enthusiast will appreciate Other sites like Autobahn and Wanoga have more gentle drops that are more child-friendly Oregon is a popular ski spot due to the favorable terrain and snow quality Hoodoo Ski Area has been in operation since 1938 and has close to 1,000 skiable acres The facility includes night runs in its list of activities Mount Bachelor Ski Resort has a beginner-friendly ski course ideal for family outings The backwood terrain in central Oregon is perfect for thrill-seekers who prefer motorized adventure and Junction Sno-Park offer hundreds of miles of scenic snowmobile trails The snowy condition of Oregon’s winter does not stop hiking enthusiasts from exploring nature trails Most of the available facilities are designed to avoid snowdrifts or post-holing a relaxing spa treatment is the best way to wind down Oregon has plenty of facilities that offer massages Here are some tips to help you get through the Oregon winter and enjoy your stay Always pack a high-quality fleece or two. These warm garments help when layering clothing to keep the cold away. An insulated jacket is a valuable addition to reduce heat loss Since most places in Oregon don’t get too frigid you may need only a shirt and insulated jacket when going out There are plenty of activities to engage in during winter so don’t let the snow make you stay cooped up Make use of the winter recreational facilities and learn how to ski or snowboard.  If you’re not too ‘outdoorsy’ or the weather gets too extreme there’s no shortage of indoor activities to keep you out of the cold and good old indoor games will keep you occupied when you don’t feel like venturing outside The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) advises visitors to use public transport but here are some valuable tips when driving yourself around It’s advisable to keep tire chains in your car if you get stuck in the snow and need enhanced traction to get you out.  This is a must-have item in your car and contains some essentials for emergency situations You’re likely to encounter sleet and black ice during the winter months in Oregon so be cautious of slippery sidewalks as you walk around The PBOT regularly deploys snowplows and anti-icers along streets and bus routes Sometimes the height of winter comes with fog which limits visibility Drivers and pedestrians should be cautious when navigating the streets and recreational spots The amount of snow you are likely to encounter in Oregon depends on the location’s elevation The weather is also affected by the climatic shifts in the region moving eastward towards the mountain areas there’s always something to do in Oregon so come with the right gear and an open mind and enjoy your winter stay James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online Copyright © 2025 The Family Vacation Guide · Privacy Policy · Sitemap