A cougar was spotted yesterday evening in Brackendale on the Squamish Nation reservation at the end of Axen Road, Sea to Sky Nana posted on its Facebook page.
Conservation officers have been notified of the sighting, which took place at 8:30 p.m.
“Just to remind folks that we do live in cougar country, so they are around just hardly ever seen. So we always need to be aware just as we are with the other wildlife that we share our beautiful town with,” said the post.
Also yesterday, SORCA posted on its Facebook page that a cougar was spotted in the Alice Lake area at the bottom of the Tracks from Hell trail.
“Ride with a buddy, stay alert (no earbuds), consider keeping the pups at home for now and be safe. We live amongst them everyday so often there's no need to panic but just be aware,” the cycling group wrote.
The District of Squamish recommends:
At home
- Do not attract or feed wildlife. Deer, raccoons, mice and rabbits are natural prey and may attract cougars.
- Do not leave pet food outside as this can attract wildlife.
- Ensure birdseed is not attracting wildlife.
- Ensure garbage is locked to prevent attracting rodents, raccoons or coyotes.
- Roaming pets are easy prey: bring pets in at night. If they must stay outside at night, ensure they are in a kennel with a secure roof.
- Cut back brush to reduce cover for cougars to rest and to increase sight lines for better visibility.
- Install motion sensor lights.
On the trails
- Be alert and aware at all times.
- Avoid surprise encounters by making noise -- i.e. use your voice
- Hike or bike in groups of two or more and keep children close at hand.
- Keep dogs leashed.
- Look for signs of fresh cougar activity -- i.e. claw marks on trees or logs, scat or paw prints.
- Avoid food caches: cougars will cover unconsumed portions of their kill with twigs, leaf litter or soil. If you come across a cache, leave the area immediately. Be alert to circling ravens or turkey vultures.
- Riding or running quickly and quietly puts you at risk for surprise encounters. Slow down going around blind corners and make noise.
- Cougar kittens are usually well-hidden. However, if you do encounter cougar kittens, do not approach or attempt to pick them up. Leave the area immediately, females will defend their young.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
