Two days ago Central Saanich Police and Conservation Officers investigated several livestock killings that are believed to be the result of a cougar attack. Several sheep and goats in the Martindale Valley were killed, and in the last 24 hours police say there have been several sightings of a cougar in Central Saanich.
Due to what appears to be an increase in activity, police are advising residents to be more aware, especially at night.
On Thursday night, at about 7 p.m., a resident from Garden Gate Drive in Brentwood Bay reported a cougar in his backyard. Then, at about 8:30 a.m. Friday morning, a resident of Haldon Road in Saanichton reported seeing a cougar in the area.
BC Conservation is actively searching out this cougar and residents are requested to contact police immediately if they have a sighting.
Below is a brief list of Cougar Encounter safety tips from the BC Conservation website:
CHILDREN AND COUGARS:
Talk to your children and teach them what to do if they encounter a cougar.
Children playing outdoors should play in-groups. Children shouldn’t be left unsupervised.
Consider getting a dog or using a dog as an early warning system. A dog can see, smell and hear a cougar sooner than a human.
Consider erecting a fence around play areas.
Keep a radio playing
Cougars can be attracted to children, possibly because of their high-pitched voices, small size and erratic movements; these character traits may make it difficult for cougars to identify children as humans and not prey.
Make sure children are home before dusk and stay indoors until after dawn – the period of time cougars are most active.
If there have been cougar sightings, escort children to the bus stop early in the morning. Clear shrubs away from around the bus stops, making a radial area of ~ 9 metres.
COUGAR ENCOUNTERS:
· Stay calm and keep the cougar in view. Pick up children immediately – children frighten easily, the noise and movements they make could provoke an attack. Back away slowly, ensuring that the animal has a clear avenue of escape. Make yourself look as large as possible. Keep the cougar in front of you at all times.
· Never run or turn your back on a cougar. Sudden movement may provoke an attack.
· If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively. Maintain eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noise. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons. Crouch down as little as possible when bending down to pick up things off of the ground.
· If a cougar attacks, fight back. Convince the cougar you are a threat and not prey. Use anything you can as a weapon. Focus your attack on the cougar’s face and eyes.
If you have any encounters or observations of a cougar call police immediately.
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