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Diana Bober, 55, of Gresham, Oregon, was last heard on August 29 and was reported Friday by relatives from overseas, said Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts.
His body was found Monday, about two miles from the station, Roberts said. A medical examiner said Tuesday that Bober suffered injuries consistent with an animal attack, reported CNN affiliate KATU.
"His injuries are indicative of what the experts think is that of a cougar.We await definitive confirmation of the type of animal responsible for this attack," Roberts said. The DNA evidence was sent to a lab in Ashland for review, he added.
Bober moved to Oregon in 2015, said family members who described her to KATU as a passionate hiker with "a bright smile, beautiful red hair and a loving heart".
The officials are still looking for the cougar
There are about 6,600 cougars in Oregon, but they are rarely encountered by humans, said Brian Wolfer, Oregon's Fish and Wildlife Department.
"Oregon has never had, until this incident, a confirmed attack of a person by a fatal or non-fatal cougar, so it is very rare. There have been cases in other states around us, so we know there is a risk. ", Wolfer told reporters.
He said that it seemed that Bober's attack had occurred "at least a few days ago". Wildlife officials are still trying to locate the cougar.
The Forest Service has closed the Bossu Trail, near where Bober's body was found, and urges people to stay out of the way, Roberts said. Schools in the area have also been informed of the attack, Roberts said.
"As this is an unprecedented event in Oregon, we do not believe that the threat that cougars pose to the public is greater today than yesterday," he said. Wolfer. "However, we do not know and can not quantify the threat this particular animal may pose to the public, so we make every effort, with our partner agencies, to locate this animal so that we can ensure the safety of the public. "
Wolfer recommended that people prepare themselves for what to do if they encounter a cougar.
"Know that cougars are more active at dawn and dusk, we recommend that people try to hike together as a couple, or if you have a dog, keep it on a leash so as not to attract couguar to you and if you have kids, keep your kids nearby, "said Wolfer." If you see a cougar, look at it big – lift your arms over your head – scream, do everything to make that Animal know that you see it, "said Wolfer." Keep eye contact and back away slowly and do not turn your back to run. "
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