WEST Vancouver police are warning the public about a cougar sighting early Wednesday morning.
West Vancouver Fire and Rescue spotted a young cougar at around 6 a.m. near the 4800-block of Marine Drive, close to Lighthouse Park, and reported it to police.
At approximately 5:45 a.m., fire crews from the Caulfeild fire hall were returning from a fire incident, said Martin Ernst, assistant fire chief at West Vancouver Fire and Rescue. They saw what was described as a very large feline, much larger than a housecat. To them it looked like a young cougar.
Ernst said the cougar ran in front of the fire truck along Marine Drive for approximately 50 feet before it leapt over a retaining wall.
Its not uncommon for us, because we work shift and we work night, to see skunks and bears and raccoons, he said. But cougars are a rare sighting.
West Vancouver Police spokesman Cpl. Matt Dawson said an investigation is ongoing as to whether its required for public interest to close the park.
At this point we havent made a decision to close the park. Weve notified the provincial conservation centre and its my understanding that theyve received at least one report from a citizen as well on this, said Dawson. At this point that determination hasnt been made.
Jeff McDonald, director of communications for the District of West Vancouver, said conservation officers are not recommending that the park needs to be closed, but signs will be posted around the park to notify the public.
Park rangers will be at the park all day long and our bylaw officers will be at the park all day long as well, said McDonald. Were monitoring the situation.
Conservation officer Dave Cox said they have received multiple sightings of the cougar but so far it has not displayed any aggressive or threatening behaviour.
In all the reports the animal has been observed fleeing and leaving the situation, said Cox. This is definitely a good reminder for people in the North Shore and West Vancouver that are out hiking and using our back country to know that we do have them to protect their pets and keep them on leash.
Cox said if residents do see a cougar, they are encouraged to contact the Conservation Officer service at 1-877-952-7277, as soon as possible.
