BC Parks issues cougar advisory for Maquinna Marine Provincial Park near Tofino

BC Parks issues cougar advisory for Maquinna Marine Provincial Park near Tofino
Michael Antonakos
The cougar that was seen in the Hot Springs Cove area on July 31, 2019.

Earlier this week, BC Parks issued a cougar advisory for Maquinna Marine Provincial Park and Protected Area near Tofino, the same area where a Vancouver couple was watched by a cougar while visiting a cabin at Hot Springs Cove.

The advisory came out the same day Michael and Tara Antonakos and their friend Shaun Shelongosky saw the animal. 

Michael took a video of the encounter. The cougar is seen pouncing and moving alongside the cabin. Shelongosky, a longtime Hot Springs Cove resident, said he has never seen a cougar in the area.

The BC Parks advisory cautions visitors to Maquinna Marine Provincial Park in Clayoquot Sound, northwest of Tofino, that there has been recent cougar activity in the area. Officials recommend keeping small children close and staying in groups while in the protected area.

Anyone who sees a cougar is reminded to keep calm, make yourself look as large as possible and back away slowly, keeping the cougar in view and allowing a clear exit for the animal. Children should be picked up immediately.

“Never run or turn your back; sudden movements may provoke an attack. If you notice that a cougar is watching you, maintain eye contact with the cougar and speak to it in a loud, firm voice. Reinforce the fact that you are a human and not an easy target. Back out of the area and seek assistance or shelter,” the advisory says.

Cougar encounters can be reporters to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

 

 

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