Earlier this morning, Saanich police were alerted to reports of a cougar sighting in the 700-block of Lily Avenue.
At about 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning, a resident called police to report that he had spotted a large golden/brown cougar head protruding from the shrubs along his property line, while he took his dog out for a nature visit.
Police said the homeowner scooped up his dog, rushed back inside and called 9-1-1.
Officers attended and searched the area but were unable to locate the feline; however, fresh large paw prints were found along the wooden patio stairs of the home, which are believed to be those of a cougar.
“At this point in time we are not advising to cause alarm as there is no imminent risk;
however, it is a good reminder for the public that due to enhanced deer activity
there is a possibility of more cougars being present,” police said in a release.
What to do if you encounter a cougar:
Never approach a cougar. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable. Cougars feeding on a kill may be dangerous.
- Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
- Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
- Pick all children up off the ground immediately. Children frighten easily, and their rapid movements may provoke an attack.
- Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
- Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
- Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don’t crouch down or try to hide. Pick up sticks or branches and wave them about.
If a cougar behaves aggressively:
- Arm yourself with a large stick, throw rocks, speak loudly and firmly. Convince the cougar that you are a threat, not prey.
- If cougar attacks, fight back! Many people have survived cougar attacks by fighting back with anything, including rocks, sticks, bare fists, and fishing poles
