SUTHERLAND secondary students are being warned to walk in pairs in the wooded areas near the school after a cougar was spotted in the area earlier this week.
A woman living near East 21st Street and Highway 1 reported the animal to conservation officers just after midnight Wednesday. The woman was reportedly walking with a companion in a park area when she spotted the animal shortly before the cougar vanished into the darkness.
It showed no signs of aggression, according to officials, but they chose to issue an the alert just in case.
"It was more a diligence thing," said Dave Cox, an officer with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service. "We just called the school to inform them . . . there was potentially a cat in the area and that the children should walk in pairs, and if they can be picked up by parents to do that."
He emphasized the incident isn't cause for serious concern. "We're just getting the awareness out there so that if people do have an encounter, they're ready to go, it's not a shock," said Cox.
The Sutherland secondary warning came three days after a Westlynn Block Watch member reported a cougar sighting in a backyard just over a kilometre away in the 1400-block of Appin Road.
Anyone who encounters the animal should stay calm, said Cox.
"If there's no predatory behaviour, just back away slowly the way you came in, make yourself look large, and if you're with people, pair up," he said.
To report a cougar sighting, call the B.C. Conservation officer service at 1-877-952-7277.
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