Another report of a Tri-Cities cougar. For hikers, they're not the biggest threat

A possible cougar sighting has been reported in south Richland, this time in the area of Leslie Canyon.

But rattlesnakes are likely a bigger risk to Tri-Cities residents enjoying the community's wildland areas.

Word of a cougar has been circulating in the Hills West neighborhood, which overlooks the Yakima River, according to the Benton County Parks Department.

County officials also reported a possible cougar sighting about two months ago not far from Badger Mountain, which is about two miles west of Leslie Canyon.

State wildlife biologists say if you see a cougar, enjoy the sight. But if you feel threatened, make noise and stand tall rather than running away.

But what you're more likely to run into is a rattlesnake.

Snakes like the middle of trails because that's one of the warmest places they can find, according to a Badger Mountain Challenge Facebook post.

If one doesn't move off the trail, you can tap a long stick on the ground behind it to scare it off before the next hiker comes along, Badger Mountain Challenge says.

"Don't poke the snake with the stick and don't try to pick them up either," it said.

Two of the most common snakes in the Mid-Columbia are rattlesnakes and bull snakes, which have similar markings.

Rattlesnakes are timid unless cornered, but bull snakes can be more aggressive, according to Badger Mountain Challenge. However, bull snakes are not venomous.

This story was originally published May 4, 2018 at 12:54 PM with the headline "Another report of a Tri-Cities cougar. For hikers, they're not the biggest threat."