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Cougars stressed and hungry, officials warn

The hot, dry weather is sending stressed and hungry cougars into residential yards on the North Shore, conservation officers are warning. There has been an uptick in sightings in the last week, particularly around Deep Cove.
cougar

The hot, dry weather is sending stressed and hungry cougars into residential yards on the North Shore, conservation officers are warning.

There has been an uptick in sightings in the last week, particularly around Deep Cove.

“I’m always generally on high alert during long periods of dry weather. That tends to be the time when they’re stressed,” said conservation officer Todd Hunter. “We start seeing the sightings relatively close to homes.”

Dry conditions make it harder for cougars to sniff out and hunt their primary prey, deer.

“They can’t really smell those tracks or smell their prey and the prey is seeking out shade in cooler areas. They’re a lot more pressed to find a food source so they’ll look for alternative food sources,” he said. “It’s definitely when we need to have our radar up and make sure we’re doing everything we can in order to prevent a confrontation.”

While North Shore residents are used to being told not to leave bear attractants like compost, garbage bins or pet food in their yards, it’s now the smaller critters they need to be concerned about, Hunter said. Cougars, especially younger, less experienced ones, will come after skunks and raccoons, which tend to congregate in residential areas where they can find easy meals from yards and garages.

“Make sure there’s no vermin there,” Hunter said. “Birdseed in North Vancouver tends to be a bit of an issue. People want to feed the birds. It’s not the greatest idea at this time of the year.”

And it’s not just wild rodents that could be targeted, Hunter said, as the cougars are happy to dine on cats and dogs they find left unattended in the yard.

For backcountry hikers, Hunter recommends the same thing North Shore Rescue does: travel in groups.

“Make loud noise. Some people use bear bells or stuff like that, or carry pepper spray if the area allows for it,” he said. “It’s a good idea to hike with a cane or stick in order to defend yourself.”

The best way to avoid a confrontation with a cougar if you cross paths with one is to raise your arms above your head, making yourself appear big, and slowly back away. Never run from a cougar as it may trigger their instinct to chase and attack.

In April this year, a dog in West Vancouver had to be stitched up after being attacked by a cougar.

Anyone who spots a cougar hanging around in a residential area or threatening people or pets should call the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.