A segment of the Ray Peters Trail in Brackendale reopened on Friday (Oct. 12) after authorities determined that the aggressive cougar that had inhabited the area in recent days appeared to have moved on.
Conservation officers shot and killed a cougar in Dentville last Friday (Oct. 5) after it exhibited unusual behaviour, but aren't sure whether it was the same animal that had shown a similar lack of fear of humans in and around Brackendale during the previous 10 days.
The portion of the trail that runs alongside Ross Road from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to near Depot Road was closed for a week as a result of cougar activity that began in late September. It was reopened on Friday "due to no evidence of further cougar activity in the area," authorities wrote in a statement posted on the District of Squamish's website, www.squamish.ca
The Conservation Officer Service and Squamish Bear Aware reminded residents to remain alert and aware, to keep pets inside at night, to encourage children to walk in groups and in well-lit areas away from green spaces unless accompanied by an adult, and to keep dogs on leash.
To report a wildlife encounter, phone the Ministry of Environment's 24/7 hotline at 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on your cellphone.
