Warning: This article contains images that may be disturbing to some readers
Cougar sightings are a fairly common occurrence on Vancouver Island, but it’s rare to see one like this!
One Cobble Hill resident shared photos of a stunning wildlife encounter of the feline kind in a Facebook group on Monday, where a cougar can be seen killing its hunt, which looks to be a decent-sized deer.
The large cat can also be seen standing atop its trophy in one photo, almost making eye contact with the camera.
“Of course I feel bad for the deer, but the cat needs to eat,” read the social media post.
According to the post, the unique snapshots were taken from inside the picture-taker’s residence, as to not to disturb the animal during its meal.
Take a look at the incredible photos below:
Of the estimated 4,000 cougars in Canada, 3,500 live in British Columbia. Of this, nearly a quarter reside on Vancouver Island.
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.
