Warning issued after cougar sightings reported across southern Vancouver Island

The Wild Wise Society is warning residents after several sightings of cougars across Southern Vancouver Island recently, including multiple reports of a mother with kittens.

The organization explained that a cougar mother with young kittens may stay in an area longer than usual—especially if they have a den nearby—while a kitten transitions from nursing to a carnivorous diet.

While cougar fatalities to humans are rare, the society said they have also received reports of off-leash dogs in the same areas, and is warning those with dogs, free-roaming cats or livestock to make sure that animals are properly secured and accounted for.

“Cougars do not distinguish between what humans consider ‘natural’ or ‘non-natural’ prey,” the company said in a social media post.

“It is up to us to be responsible for our domestic animals. Cougars are genetically predisposed to target quadrupedal (4-legged) prey species.”

Wild Wise has also reported sightings and conflicts with bear in the Langford area, including mothers and cubs.

The Wild Wise Society is a volunteer-driven initiative to reduce wildlife-human conflict. The organization is based out of Sooke, and has expanded to operate in East Sooke, Shirely, Otter Point and Metchosin.

For more information on these sightings and how to reduce unwanted conflict with bears and other wildlife, visit the organization’s website here or their Facebook page here.