Scotts Mills, OR not worried about big cats

Nov. 19, 2013  

Written by Timm Collins, Appeal Tribune

Scotts Mills Mayor Ron Bielenberg isn’t too worried about a big cat sanctuary moving to town — as long as they follow the rules. "I'm not as concerned about the ones that are permitted and well-cared for. It’s the wild cougars that are naturally in the area that are the ones I worry about," Bielenberg said. “The cats in the sanctuary shouldn’t be something residents need to worry about.”

WildCat Haven Sanctuary is planning to move to a 82-acre site four miles southwest of Scotts Mills.
An employee of the sanctuary, currently located in Sherwood, was recently found dead as a result of cougar attack. Santuary co-owner Renee Michael Tuller found Radziwon-Chapman, the long-time head keeper, mauled to death on Saturday, Nov. 9, according to a Clackamas County Sherriff's deputy report.


Radziwon-Chapman was alone at the facility because Tuller and his wife, Cheryl Tuller, the sanctuary's executive director, were in Scotts Mills, the sheriff's report said.


Marion County records show that the sanctuary is permitted on the land and has approval for some cougar pen construction.


County spokeswoman Jolene Kelley said the board of commissioners, said in light of recent events, the board has the abilty take a second look at the proposed sanctuary. “The board of commissioners have not met since the accident,” Kelley said.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's office has determined no crimes were committed, and the Oregonian reported the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration have opened investigations into workplace and animal conditions.

WildCat Haven Sanctuary is not open to the public and is located on a private road. The sanctuary did allow donors to visit, which is why the U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies it as an "exhibitor," according to the Oregonian.


There have also been reports that the sanctuary allowed some visitors, including members of the media, Tuller told The Oregonian in September that visits were halted out of concern for the animals.
WildCat Haven currently houses about 60 wildcats on about eight acres. "We are very accepting of people in Scotts Mills," said Bielenberg. “Not everyone agrees, but I think most people are okay with the sanctuary moving here — as long as it isn’t hurting anybody.”

Representatives from the sanctuary could not be reached before press time.

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