Conservation officers are warning citizens to be mindful of small children and pets after three separate cougar encounters this week, including two that saw people encounter a pair of cats who weren't easily scared off.
The first encounter, with a single cougar, occurred on Tuesday (July 26) evening at Brennan Park, when a person reported having been approached by a cougar while the person was operating a remote-controlled toy, said Sgt. Chris Doyle of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
On Tuesday at around 6 p.m. near Brennan Park, and again on Wednesday (July 27) at around 8:30 p.m. in Garibaldi Highlands, citizens encountered a pair of cougars who weren't easily scared off, Doyle said.
"One was bigger than the other - likely some kind of family group," he said.
Bears have also been coming into town frequently in the past few weeks, Doyle said. Citizens are asked to remove all possible attractants, including picking fruit off of fruit trees as it ripens.
Residents are urged to be cautious when out on Squamish's trails, particularly when accompanied by small children or pets, and to phone the Ministry of Environment's hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277) if you encounter a cougar or other wildlife.
