Woman reports cougar sighting in Wheaton

A young woman who was running with her dog in Wheaton's Northside Park told police she may have seen a cougar about dusk on Sept. 4, authorities said Friday.

Wheaton police said the woman told them she was near the park's bridge when she spotted a dark-colored cat that was larger than her dog, which weighs 60 pounds.

The woman told police the cat fled into a wooded area when approached by her dog.

Deputy Chief Tom Meloni said the woman "grew up out west" and knows what a cougar looks like.

He said she had not planned to report the sighting, but did so after talking to friends.

Meloni said police have received no additional reports from residents claiming to have seen the animal. He said officers will check the area, but also are urging residents to be on the lookout and call 911 if they spot a cougar or any other unusual animal.

Northside Park is largely surrounded by homes but also connects to the nearby Lincoln Marsh.