Residents of a Maple Ridge neighbourood received a shock yesterday when a large cougar prowled around several homes.
It happened around 8:30 p.m. last night near 240th street, with a security camera showing the cougar going on several lawns and driveways.
“It didn’t retreat for a few moments. It kind of stopped and was deciding what to do,” said Dave Thomas. His children were playing outside when the cougar made its appearance.
“There’s something wrong with that cat for it to come up to a group of people with music playing and a whole group and for it to consider its options.”
Thomas blew an air horn, and multiple calls were made to conservation officials. While they have been tracking the cougar for about two months, no action was taken in this instance, because there had been no reports of aggression.
However, they now say the animal will need to be relocated.
“This is definitely elevated behaviour, habituated behavior, that is not normal,” said Conservation Officer Robin Sano.
They are asking anyone who saw the cougar to please give them a call.