After paying a surprise visit to Haystack Rock, a cougar has left Cannon Beach, for now

Cannon Beach was open again Monday after parts were closed Sunday because of a cougar on Haystack Rock.

The iconic animal has now left the iconic rock according to Cannon Beach Police. Authorities have seen tracks leading away from the landmark and a motion-activated camera, designed to catch wildlife photos, caught an image of it leaving.

A U.S. Coast Guard fly over with an infrared camera found no sign of the animal.

“It was definitely unusual for a cougar to be at Haystack Rock,” said Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman Beth Quillian.

By nature, cougars are reclusive. They usually give people a wide berth. Cannon Beach at high season is not exactly quiet. But experts say cougars are also curious, like house cats except ones that can weigh up to 200 lbs.

Wildlife experts say the animal might have been in search of prey, like a seagull or puffin.

“Hopefully it is headed back up to the forested areas,” Quillian said. “Not to be seen again.”

Biologists think the cat may have walked to the rock at low tide.