The Conservation Officer Service has received unconfirmed cougar sightings in Brackendale and reports of a cougar attacking two dogs in the Squamish Valley over the past week.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert and take precautions.
Tips to reduce conflicts with cougars:
- Children playing outdoors should play in groups and not be left unsupervised. Teach them what to do if they encounter a cougar.
- Keep your pets indoors, especially between dusk till dawn—the period of time where cougars are most active. Cats and dogs that are left to roam free can become easy prey targets.
- Feed pets indoors. If fed outdoors, bring in any uneaten food as it may attract other small animals that are prey for cougars.
- Light walkways and remove any heavy vegetation or landscaping near the house. Cougars prefer to hunt and stay where cover is close by.
- Wash your garbage and compost bins regularly so the odours do not attract other small animals like racoons (prey).
If you encounter a cougar, follow these steps:
- Remain calm. Face the cougar and back away slowly. Do not run or turn your back on it.
- Pick up small children and pets immediately and bring them inside.
- Deter the cougar by being aggressive - shouting, throwing rocks or waving a stick. Make yourself look large by waving your arms, opening up your jacket or holding up an object above your head.
Please report all wildlife conflicts and aggressive wildlife behaviour to the Conservation Officer Service 24-hour Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP).
For more wildlife safety tips, please visit www.wildsafebc.ca.
