The BC Conservation Officer Service is urging caution after receiving reports of a cougar attacking two dogs in the Squamish Valley and unconfirmed sightings in Brackendale over the past week. While the sightings in Brackendale have not been verified, the dog attacks in the Squamish Valley were reported and are under investigation.
Officials are reminding residents to stay alert and take steps to reduce the risk of encounters with cougars, particularly for pet owners and families with young children.
Safety Tips for Residents
To minimize the chances of cougar conflicts, the Conservation Officer Service recommends the following:
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Supervise children outdoors and encourage them to play in groups. Teach them how to respond if they encounter a cougar.
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Keep pets indoors, especially between dusk and dawn, when cougars are most active. Free-roaming pets can be easy targets for predators.
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Avoid feeding pets outdoors. If necessary, remove any leftover food immediately to avoid attracting smaller animals that cougars may prey upon.
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Light up walkways and clear dense vegetation near your home. Cougars prefer areas with good cover for stalking prey.
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Clean garbage and compost bins regularly to reduce odours that may attract raccoons and other small animals.
What to Do If You Encounter a Cougar
The Conservation Officer Service advises the following steps:
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Stay calm. Do not run. Face the cougar and slowly back away.
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Pick up small children or pets and bring them inside.
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Act aggressively—shout, wave your arms or a stick, throw objects, and try to appear larger by opening a jacket or lifting an item above your head.
Anyone who sees a cougar or experiences aggressive wildlife behaviour is urged to report it to the 24-hour Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.
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