Central Saanich Police issued a warning on social media after a cougar was spotted along the Pat Bay Highway Tuesday night.
The cougar was seen in the 7300-block of the Pat Bay, near Mount Newton Cross Road, around 10 p.m. on July 2nd.
According to a post on X, the cat was travelling east along the highway.
File 24-1811
On July 2 at 10pm a large cougar was seen in the 7300 block of Highway 17, travelling east. No conflict with humans reported, but please be aware and follow Cougar advice: https://t.co/FjwWUOGzHa. #csaan ^jh pic.twitter.com/uxUIpCvKeJ— cspoliceservice (@cspoliceservice) July 3, 2024
With the warmer weather now approaching, cougar sightings along trails, parks, and wooded neighbourhoods will become more frequent as the subspecies of mountain lion forages for food while raising their young.
See also: Here’s what to do when you encounter a cougar on Vancouver Island
While sightings are rare, for those that happen to cross paths with this feared furry cat, here are 13 tips to handle a close encounter.
While outdoors:
- Hike in groups and make enough noise to avoid surprising a cat
- Always keep children close to you
- For hikes and local adventures, be sure to carry bear spray with you
- Be mindful of fresh tracks
- If you stumble upon kittens, leave the area immediately as the female will be close and defend her young
- Roaming pets are easy prey for cougars, keep them leashed or behind a fence
- To reduce odours, do not leave open food or food scraps on you
- Be extra vigilant while walking in strong wind and rain
Experiencing encounters:
- Always remain calm
- Never run!
- Face the cougar and back away slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack
- Yell, speak loudly and firmly, and throw rocks. Convince the animal that you are a threat, not easy prey
- If the cougar fights back, many people have survived cougar attacks by fighting back with anything they had, including rocks, sticks, fists, etc.
Anyone who suspects a cougar is hanging around a residential area, threatening people or killing pets should call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
