Thursday, March 28, 2024

Multiple cougar sightings in Saanich prompt police warning

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Police are warning residents after several possible sightings of a cougar roaming Saanich overnight.

Just before 10 pm last night, Saanich Police said they were called to West Saanich Road near Old West Saanich Road when a resident spotted a cougar near the roadway.

Officers searched the area, but could not locate the feline.

More cougar sightings follow 

Saanich Police said they received “numerous calls” about what is believed to be a cougar over the last 12 hours.

“These calls have come from the areas of Triest Crescent, Knutsford Place, Penturst Road, Hillcrest and Hollydeene Place,” Cst. Corey Volk said in a release.

Residents should be aware of their surroundings and report any possible sightings to the Saanich Police at 250-475-4321 or 911 in the case of an emergency.

Residents in the areas should remain vigilant and not leave children or small pets unattended in their yards.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service is aware of the sightings.

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

 

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

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