Cougar spotted near local middle school, students told to stay inside

SNOHOMISH -- Staff instructed students of a local middle school to stay inside after a cougar was spotted Tuesday morning on a nearby trail.

Sheriff's deputies spotted a cougar near Centennial Middle School in the 3000 block of Machias Road in Snohomish, deputies said. The cougar was seen heading toward the Centennial Trail away from the school.

Officials told students to stay inside during lunch. No other changes are planned for the school day, officials said.

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified of the spotting.