‘The Cougulance is gone’: End of a West Seattle roadside era

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Notice something missing along the west stretch of Admiral Way? Paul Twibell sent the explanation:

The Cougulance is gone.

For over a decade, the Cougar Ambulance, “The Cougulance,” has held a spot in the 59th block of Admiral Way. Yesterday I sold it to a couple that lives in Pullman. It has been a staple at WSU during football season. It has been on Billboards, banners, news reports, and commercials. Twice it has appeared on ESPN’s Gameday.

(2020 screengrab from ESPN – West Point was a reference to an unrelated location)

It will have many more years of tailgating with its new owners.

Many of you loved it, some of you hated it, a few of you damaged it, a couple of you tried to have it towed. Thank you to all of you who appreciated it, and saw it as a West Seattle landmark. To the rest… whatever.

GO COUGS!
Paul Twibell

Scotty G March 22, 2026 (5:57 pm)

I will forever miss the Cougulance. It became a landmark for biking up the hill.

MS March 23, 2026 (4:53 pm)

Reply

So true!!

Bill at Duwamish Head March 22, 2026 (5:58 pm)

Paul and WSB, Thank you for the post. I have walked and driven by many a time over the years and always wondered what the back story was. I certainly hope it brought you happiness over the years, it sounds like it didBill

Renée Thorkelson March 22, 2026 (7:24 pm)

I’m a Husky through and through. Still, I’ve always appreciated the quirky nature of the Cougulance and its kitchiness. I’ll miss it on my way home from Alki. Thanks for the whimsy.

Alki Resident March 22, 2026 (7:24 pm)

The Cougulance should’ve been encased on the side of Admiral Way. Sad to see it go.

NAdmiral March 22, 2026 (7:28 pm)

Once again the West Seattle Blog comes thru when inquiring minds have questions!

WSB March 22, 2026 (9:36 pm)

Reply

Thanks go to Paul for sending this before we even had a chance to inquire!

Justin March 22, 2026 (8:18 pm)

This is incredible content. The Cougulance will be missed in WS.

Katherine McDaniel March 22, 2026 (9:28 pm)

Thank you for this post. The Cougulance will be missed! As someone who grew up in Pullman, it always put a smile on my face when I walked or drove by it!

Julia March 22, 2026 (9:40 pm)

As an old Cougar, I salute you, Cougulance. Farewell and thank you for your service.

B March 22, 2026 (11:29 pm)

I saw it, I remember it. Seemed like the ultimate troll. I loved it!

Steve March 23, 2026 (1:25 am)

I may have caught it on its final journey out of West Seattle. I happened to be right behind it as it pulled out of its usual spot on Admiral Way and turned right up 57th (maybe taking the scenic route?) Screenshot from my dashcam video shortly before 4pm on Saturday, March 21st:I’ve driven by it seemingly every day since moving nearby and have always wondered about the backstory. It was fun to point out to visiting friends and family. I’m sad to have one less curious conversation starter. Thanks for being you, Cougulance!

I love laughs March 23, 2026 (7:25 am)

Saw Cougulance and a coughing cougar and thought it must be ‘Coughulance” to have a laugh at coughing cougars 😅 so yeah had to be there

Cori roed March 23, 2026 (9:26 am)

Go Cougs!

Gerry March 23, 2026 (9:32 am)

Smithsonian worthy icon. Go Cougs!

MrWest March 23, 2026 (10:34 am)

who cares, GO DAWGS!

Rob March 23, 2026 (11:50 am)

Paul, I remember when you bought that old ambulance and had a plan. I thought you were crazy. You poured your time and money into that thing over the years and it turned out better than any of us could have imagined. Thousands of miles added to it, many repairs, and more tailgate memories you could have hoped for… it was a great WSU ambassador. Good job buddy! And Go Cougs. Rob J

Don Brubeck March 23, 2026 (7:31 pm)

And now our block is really going to the Dawgs. We will miss the Cougulance, but will rest easy knowing that it is in good hands and you still have other project vehicles to keep you out on socializing on the street.