A cougar spotted in a Springfield neighborhood Sunday morning jumped over several fences before disappearing, police said.

A newspaper carrier spotted the creature near 10th and D streets and the animal was last seen in the 1200 to 1400 block of an alley between E and F streets, Springfield police said.

The cougar was sighted in an area close to Willamalane Park and schools, said police, who are urging residents to be cautious and keep an eye on children and pets when going outside.

Police ask area residents to contact them at their non-emergency line, 541-726-3714, if they see the animal and to call 911 if the animal is being aggressive.

--Anna Spoerre