A campsite near Campbell River is closed until further notice following reports of an aggressive cougar in the area that could be injured, according to the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS).
Two groups of campers saw the cougar at the Amor Lake Recreation Site, the COS says in a statement Sunday. It says it become aware of the cat on June 26 after it was reported about a day prior, including on June 25 when it approached a tent late at night.
“Cougar reported as potentially injured, physical injury to hind quarter,” the COS told CHEK News. “Two separate groups of campers saw the cougar in the rec site. COS and Rec Sites and Trails coordinated to get signage posted/cougar in area signs at Amor Rec Site on June 26, 2023.”
Amor Lake is located northwest of Campbell River on northern Vancouver Island. It’s home to five campsites and is accessed via a road, states information online.
On Tuesday, Recreation and Trails BC (RTBC) said the site was unsafe for public use and that it was closed for all-day use and overnight camping, including throughout the Canada Day long weekend.
However, the site’s canoe route and boat ramp remain open.
“Use of the boat launch for accessing Amor Lake is still permitted, however, users are cautioned to use the launch at your own risk, practice situational awareness at all times, and minimize exposure time on site,” RTBC said in a Facebook post.
The COS says it worked with RTBC to get signage posted in the area to warn people of the cougar, so it’s hoping reduced activity and a lack of domestic animals like dogs will cause the cat to lose interest and move on.
The COS isn’t sure when the site will reopen.
“A decision will be made next week regarding the length of time the site will be closed. Once the site does reopen COS will monitor closely for any further sightings,” it said in its statement.
VanIsle Hunters says cougars are the largest cat species in B.C. with an estimated 4,000 living in the province, including up to 800 on the Island.
Sightings can be reported by calling the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277. The COS has more information about cougars, including what to do when spotting one, on its website.
CHEK News has reached out to RTBC for more details.
Ethan Morneau
