Conservation officers are urging residents to be mindful of children, cats and small dogs after several cougar sightings in Squamish during the past week.
The most serious incident involved a midday standoff between a hiker and cougar on the Hoods in the Woods trail between Mashiter Creek and University Heights on Sunday (June 26). Other cougar sightings occurred at Quest University and in the University Heights area, said Sgt. Chris Doyle of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
Other cougar sightings have been reported in the Valleycliffe area, clustered around Plateau Drive, Doyle said. He added that it's not clear whether the sightings were of the same animal or more than one.
"There are definitely one or more cougars still around town and it appears that at least one of them is somewhat habituated," Doyle said, "so we're advising people to just be on the alert, be mindful of kids and small dogs, and house cats as well."
To report a bear or cougar sighting, illegal dumping or possible violations of fisheries or Wildlife Act violations, please phone the Ministry of Environment's 24-hour hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).
