There have been twice as many cougar related incidents reported in Powell River, compared to this time last year, according to a BC conservation officer.
Cougars, the tawny feline predators also commonly known as mountain lions, have been known to grab a house pet or two when they are about town.
“It’s no surprise that house cats are enticing to cougars,” said BC conservation officer Andrew Anaka. “They do not look dissimilar to other animals that would be the cougars natural prey.”
Since April of this year, Anaka said his office has received 31 reports of cougar incidents, of which some have involved attacks on dogs or house cats.
In past years cougar attacks in and around Powell River have left residents traumatized, and pets as well as livestock deceased in some cases.
“Cougars come into town following natural prey species, such as deer and raccoon,” said Anaka. “While they are here it should come as no surprise that our small pets may be on the menu.”
He added that the increased number of encounters is related to a rising cougar population, which rises and ebbs in tandem with food availability.
Francine Ulmer, Powell River’s WildSafe BC coordinator, said she has been working in the community to raise awareness about how to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
Ulmer said areas backing on to the green space above Manson Avenue, as well as in the Paradise Valley Mobile Home Park on Claridge Road are seeing a lot of cougars—a sighting often followed by a missing pet.
“At my Sea Fair booth I met six citizens who recently lost house cats,” Ulmer said. “Residents will likely experience more conflict with wildlife if their attractants are not managed.”
Keep cats indoors, especially between dusk and dawn when cougars are active, she added. Bringing pet food inside and keeping pets in the house at night can improve their safety at a time when cougars are most active.
“Outdoor cats are easy prey to cougars, raccoons, eagles and even bears,” said Ulmer. “The life expectancy of an outdoor cat is about four years.”
Residents are advised to call the BC Conservation Officer Service’s toll-free line at 1.877.952.7277 to report cougar sightings.
A map of wildlife sightings in Powell River is available on the WildSafe BC website at wildsafebc.com/warp.
