Conservation Officer Service says they could not confirm a cougar’s presence in the Valleycliffe area after a reported sighting on Wednesday, May 15.
David Karn, a media relations officer for the Ministry of Environment, said the COS received a report of a cougar sighting but could not confirm it. Officers responded to reports after a local resident reported that a cougar had taken a chicken from their coop in Valleycliffe. The post on a Facebook group quickly went viral, leaving Valleycliffe residents worried and asking if it had been reported to the elementary school and the COS.
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Karn, the ministry spokesperson, confirmed with the Squamish Reporter that officers attended the Valleycliffe area, but no cougar was found. “No cougar was seen in the area. Cougar conflicts can be reported to the RAPP line,” he said. Call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or #7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network to report a cougar.
He added that COS provided public education and advice to area residents on attractant management to help mitigate wildlife conflicts.
Meanwhile, the Conservation Officer Service has concluded that the recent bear attack in Squamish was defensive in nature, and the bear will not be captured or put down. The District of Squamish has reopened the estuary trails but is reminding residents that dogs must be kept on leash. “Please be a responsible pet owner. Off-leash dogs create dangerous situations for bears and people. Off-leash dogs are not allowed in this area.”
