By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: May 26, 2012
Conservation officers are reporting a possible cougar sighting in the Dentville and North Yards neighbourhoods.
A cougar was reported in the area of No Name Road on Saturday, May 19th.
The cougar was sighted at approximately 11 p.m. in low light conditions, said Sergeant Peter Busink from the local conservation office.
Cougars are one of the most misidentified animals reported to the conservation office, he said.
Still, the conservation office takes every single report of cougar sightings seriously.
“Public safety is of utmost priority to us, and we will monitor the area,” he said.
Amanda Schell, a Dentville resident, said she saw a cougar walking on Britannia Ave in Dentville, and then heading towards Industrial Park around 9:30 p.m.
“It took me a few moments to realize what I was actually looking at and a few more to believe it,” Schell said.
She said it was a big cat, but lean and thin.
The Conservation Office encourages people to report any possible or confirmed cougar sightings to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
The latest sighting comes few weeks after officers posted signs near Mamquam Elementary School after the big cat was spotted there on Saturday, March 17.
The Conservation Officer Service would also like to remind residents that bears are out of hibernation, and garbage, bird feeders, and other attractants should be properly secured.
“The bears are out and they are hungry,” Busink said.
He also added that people who do not secure their attractants could face a charge under the BC Provincial Wildlife Act.
Also a reminder that people should not stop on the side of the highway to view bears as it creates a public safety risk and contributes to habituating bears to humans which is NEVER good for bears.
Once again, please call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 to report any problem wildlife issues, or environmental offences.
