West Shore RCMP have issued a warning to residents after a family dog was attacked by a cougar in the Bear Mountain community yesterday.
On Wednesday, July 26th, a cougar sighting was reported to BC Conservation Officers and later confirmed by West Shore RCMP.
It was spotted near the 2200 block of Players Drive in Langford and police are asking parents and pet owners to keep their kids and animals inside.
For Ryan and Jennifer Patterson, however, that sighting quickly became more of an immediate problem.
In an interview with Victoria Buzz, Jennifer shared that their dog, Roxie, was attacked in their backyard on the morning of July 26th.
She detailed the attack and shared her concern for the cougar’s obvious aggression and what it could mean for the community if it isn’t removed.
“It came into my fully fenced yard and attacked my dog unprovoked,” Jennifer said.
“I wasn’t home but my husband was. He heard the dog yelping.”
Ryan had rushed out and witnessed the cougar jumping over their fence and fleeing into the trees, leaving behind severely injured Roxie.
“Her side was completely split open,” Jennifer said.
Roxie was rushed to Waves Veterinary Hospital where they performed emergency surgery and thanks to the efficiency and quick-action from the team, is now expected to make a full recovery.
Jennifer said that the Conservation Officers have known about the cougar for quite some time but didn’t want to remove it without probable cause.
Now that there’s been an attack, they suggested setting up a live trap in the Patterson’s backyard to help catch the cougar.
“We want it gone…but we’re hesitant [about the trap] because we have a 5-year-old son,” Jennifer said.
“I’m just thankful my son wasn’t home.”
She noted that if it was willing to go out of its way to attack a pet, a child is also just as vulnerable.
The efforts for the cougar’s removal have yet to take place so the plan-of-action is not yet confirmed.
Victoria Buzz reached out to BC Conservation, but did not hear back prior to this publication.
If you spot a cougar in your area, please call BC Conservation Officers at 1-877-952-7277.
