The cougar that became a media sensation after being captured on night-cam surveillance footage in the driveway of a home in Deep Cove Dec. 31 may still be on the prowl.
On Jan. 28, a B.C. conservation officer returned to the Woodlands area with a team of scent-sniffing hounds after another reported cougar sighting in the neighbourhood.
“I responded to the call given that the sighting was so close to the residents and a pet was involved,” said conservation officer Sgt. Todd Hunter. He added he couldn’t confirm if it was the same cougar spotted last month.
Hunter said conservation officers wanted to find out if the cougar was living in close proximity to people’s homes and if it had preyed on any domestic animals.
The dogs picked up the cougar’s scent but wet weather the night before made it difficult for tracking. “We did not locate a cougar within close proximity,” he said.
Hunter said even though dogs didn’t find a cougar, area residents should remain vigilant.
Hunter said a contributing factor to the number of recent cougar sightings is that deer have been pushed down from the mountains during the winter months.
“I think their pattern may have changed in the last couple of weeks but they were pushed down from the alpine areas and down lower to the residences so it could have brought in cougars. . .” he said.
Hunter said the conservation office continues to monitor the situation closely and will respond based on the behavior of the animal reported.
He noted it’s important for residents to call in any sightings promptly.
Hunter said there have been a number of cougar sightings throughout North Vancouver, but the Woodlands area is the one being monitored “very, very closely.”
Trail users in the area should hike with a friend or in a group, keep dogs leashed and make plenty of noise on the trail. It’s also recommended that hikers carry a stick or bear spray to defend themselves in the unlikely case of a confrontation.
Should you encounter a cougar, make yourself appear big, shout loudly at the cougar and never attempt to run, which will trigger the cat’s chasing instinct. If there are kids with you, pick them up immediately. Back away slowly, ensuring the animal has a clear avenue of escape. Never turn your back on a cougar. Anyone who spots a cougar should call the Report
All Poachers and Polluters hotline at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP).
-with files from Brent Richter
