Trails in the DeBeck's Hill area near Alice Lake Provincial Park have been re-opened after having been closed early this week because of an aggressive cougar in the area.
District of Squamish (DOS) officials announced the lifting of the closure on DeBeck's Grind, Crouching Squirrel Hidden Monkey, Mid Life Crisis, Rigs in Zen and Bracken Trail on Friday (Sept. 30). On Monday (Sept. 26) they closed the trails after a pair of mountain bikers encountered a cougar in the area on Saturday (Sept. 24).
Meg Toom, DOS wildlife official, on Tuesday (Sept. 27) said the mountain bikers encountered the animal while riding on Crouching Squirrel Hidden Monkey on Saturday. The pair had a dog that was off-leash and came upon a deer kill just off the trail, she said.
"The dog and cougar had an encounter and the dog wound up with a couple puncture wounds, but is otherwise OK," Toom said. "The guys were able to scare the cougar off to a certain distance and were able to leave."
Toom said the cougar's behaviour defending a kill is considered normal under the circumstances, but presents a safety hazard to anyone who might encounter it. Conservation officers, B.C. Parks staff and DOS officials closed the trails as a precaution and were planning to re-evaluate the situation late in the week, she said.
Jack's Trail was not technically closed, but caution tape was erected at either end of the popular pathway and users were urged to steer clear.
To report a sighting or encounter, call the 24 hour hotline: 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on a cell phone.
