Reported cougar sighting Monday is unconfirmed

A reported sighting of a cougar near Weiser High School on Monday night was investigated by city police but nothing was seen or confirmed.

 Dispatch received the call about 9:50 p.m. from someone who said a large cat with a large tail was spotted near the auxiliary gym and the animal ran off toward the track.

 A couple of Weiser police officers checked out the area but nothing was spotted.

 Washington County Sheriff Matt Thomas said it has been quite a while since a reported mountain lion sighting and this would be the first of a sighting in the city.

 Idaho Fish and Game conservation officer Mark Sands said it would be pretty uncommon to see a mountain lion so close to the city and at this time of year.