Cougars in area
Social media is riddled with reports of local interactions with the largest member of the cat family, and sightings of cougars are a topic of conversation at the dinner table.
Barbara Sherriff is local volunteer coordinator for WildSafe BC, a BC Conservation Foundation program to reduce human-wildlife interactions in residential areas. Working with a group of volunteers, she assists the BC Conservation Officer Service by attending public events and displaying information about wildlife attractants. Many will have seen the WildSafe BC display at Seedy Saturday, mid-March.
“That was a very small cat compared to what is being seen,” she said, referring to the stuffed cougar she had on her Seedy Saturday display table. Cougars can weigh over 100 kilograms and typically males are larger than females.
Cougars are attracted to the residential areas at this time of year because of all the deer. But, cougars will also prey on cats, small dogs and other small animals.
“You can tell when there are cougars around when you see all the notices about missing pets,” she said. “Don’t leave small pets outside.”
Cougars are wild animals. Their need to hunt prey outweighs their instincts to remain hidden in the bush. If a person comes across a cougar, do not run away, she said. Instead, keep eye contact while slowly walking away and speaking to the cat in a loud voice. “Look like a big human, as opposed to prey,” she said. Pick up small children or small animals immediately, she added.
Residents are advised to call the conservation officers’ toll-free line at 1.877.952.7277 to report cougar sightings. More information is available on the WildSafe BC website.
