Two cougar sightings in Central Saanich prompt warning from police

Central Saanich Police have issued an alert after the detachment received two reports of cougar sightings last night and this morning.

The first cougar sighting was reported in the Keating Cross Road and Kirkpatrick Cresent area and the second feline was reported in the Mt Newton Cross Rd and Central Saanich Road area.

The timing of the sightings were not released.

BC Conservation Service has been advised.

It is recommended that people in the area keep their pets indoors if possible and be vigilant of their surroundings while out for walks.

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.