Saanich Police are warning residents in the area of PKOLS (Mount Doug Park) to be cautious after a cougar was seen two days in a row.
On July 10, around 9 p.m. police were called to the 4400 block of Cedar Hill Road for the first sighting, but were unable to find it.
The next day around 6 a.m. police responded to the second cougar sighting in the 4100 block of Glendenning Road, and were once again unable to find the cougar.
In both instances, BC Conservation Officers were notified of the sightings.
Residents in the area are asked to use caution, and secure any small pets.
If you see a cougar, you are asked to report it to Saanich Police and the BC Conservation Service at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).
BC Conservation advises that if you see a cougar to make yourself as large as possible and keep the cougar in front of you at all times.
“Never run or turn your back on a cougar, sudden movement may provoke an attack,” conservation says on its information page about cougars.
“If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively, maintain eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noise. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons.”
If a cougar attacks, you are advised to fight back and convince the cougar you’re a threat and using anything you can.
In the front country, conservation says a cougar is likely just passing through so to remain calm, but inform others of its presence. It is important to secure attractants like pet food, free-range pets, and garbage cans to avoid attracting the cats to the neighbourhood.
Laura Brougham
