A string of cougar sightings in Gibsons is causing the conservation office to issue a warning to residents this week.
Four reports of cougar sightings in the Gibsons area have been registered with the conservation office over the past two weeks and conservation officer Dean Miller expects more sightings have gone unreported.
“No aggressive threatening behaviour was noted by the complainants,” said Miller.
“However, considering the lack of fear of humans and the frequency the cougar has been seen in one area, the Conservation Officer Service is urging Gibsons residents to modify their activities.”
Miller said people should make noise to announce their presence when walking on trails in the area and keep all dogs on leashes.
“Residents with livestock should ensure that all animals are inside a barn or coup at night,” Miller added.
During the past two weeks, a cougar (possibly the same animal) was reportedly seen at the corner of Chaster Road and Grandview Road, at Chaster House near the beach, on the Mahan Trail in Lower Gibsons and in Upper Gibsons on Pratt Road.
Miller encourages the public to phone in all cougar sightings or conflicts to the conservation office call centre at 1-877-952-7277.
He also notes, “If someone encounters a deer kill, leave the area immediately and report its location.”
If you encounter a cougar in the wild, allow it an avenue of escape and stay calm. Pick up all children off the ground immediately, as children’s rapid movements may provoke an attack.
Do not run. Make yourself look as large as possible and pick up sticks or branches and wave them about. Then back away from the cougar slowly. Never turn your back on a cougar.
If the cougar starts acting aggressively, throw rocks at it and speak in a loud, firm voice. If attacked, fight back. Many people have survived cougar attacks by fighting back with sticks, rocks and even fists.
Find out more at www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/cougsf.htm
