Friday, March 29, 2024

Saanich police warn of reported cougar sighting on Lochside Drive

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Saanich Police have issued a warning after they received a report of a cougar sighting Sunday night near Cordova Bay.

At around 7:30 pm, a cougar was spotted in the 4900 block of Lochside Drive by someone walking in the area.

Police officers attended the area to confirm the sighting, but were unable to locate the reportedly 150 pound cat.

Police believe it likely was a cougar and alerted nearby residents. 

Conservation officers were also alerted and a decision was made to take no further action at this point as the cat had not threatened any people or animals.

In a release, police said they wanted to “alert people in the area to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions especially with small children or animals who may be smaller than the cougar.” 

Here are a few tips to help protect yourself in the event you encounter a cougar:

Stay noisy – Talk among the group you are with, and consider carrying a bell;

Be big – It may seem obvious but avoid the cougar if at all possible. 

If you do come across one, don’t corner it – let it have an escape route. 

Stay calm, keep eye contact, back up and make yourself as large as possible.

 

See also:

This is what a screaming cougar on Vancouver Island sounds like (VIDEO)

 

 

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Victoria Buzz Staffhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Your inside source for Greater Victoria happenings. Established in 2012.

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