Possible cougar sighting near University of Victoria

Possible cougar sighting near University of Victoria
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UVic has issued a word of caution to anyone near campus after receiving reports of a possible cougar sighting in Mystic Vale on Wednesday.

The University of Victoria has issued a word of caution to anyone near campus after receiving reports of a possible cougar sighting in Mystic Vale on Wednesday.

The report came in at around 9 a.m. this morning, according to UVic.

Mystic Vale is a forested ravine that sits on the outskirts of the University of Victoria campus, separating classrooms and school facilities from adjacent neighbourhoods.

UVic is asking anyone to call campus security at 250-721-7599 if they spot a cougar in the area

“While cougars are generally shy and elusive animals and rarely attack humans, a hungry cougar may come into contact with people during its search for food, usually in the hours between dusk and dawn when cougars are most active,” reads a statement from the university.

Several sightings of these big cats have been reported around the Greater Victoria area in the past few months as authorities have received calls from Colwood, View Royal and Central Saanich, among others.

Black bears have also frequented neighbourhoods in the past few months, being spotted rummaging through garbage and venturing through city parks.

The University of Victoria said in their alert that most cougars will likely run away. If anyone in the area encounters a hungry cougar, UVic is recommending not to turn your back, keep your eyes on the cougar and know where it is, give the cougar space to escape, raise your arms to look bigger, and act aggressively.

Graham CoxGraham Cox

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