Salt Spring RCMP have received two reports of cougar sightings in recent days.
The first was reported on Booth Canal Road on June 20, when the photo accompanying this story was taken, and then another on Wednesday, June 25 at 1:30 p.m. on Maliview Drive.
Salt Spring RCMP Sgt. Clive Seabrook said the B.C. Conservation Office has been contacted.
“They are monitoring the situation, but based on the cougar’s behaviour, Conservation does not intend to take any action at this time,” said Seabrook.
If people are concerned about a cougar’s behaviour, they can contact the B.C. Conservation Officer service at 1-877-952-7277.
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The following guidelines for what to do when encountering a cougar are from the B.C. government’s Environmental Protection and Sustainability website:
Stay calm and keep the cougar in view, pick up children immediately. Children frighten easily and the noise and movements they make could provoke an attack. Back away slowly, ensuring that the animal has a clear avenue of escape.
Make yourself look as large as possible and keep the cougar in front of you at all times. Never run or turn your back on a cougar, sudden movement may provoke an attack.
If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively, maintain eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noises. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons.
If a cougar attacks, fight back, convince the cougar you are a threat and not prey, use anything you can as a weapon. Focus your attack on the cougar’s face and eyes. Use rocks, sticks, bear spray or personal belongings as weapons. You are trying to convince the cougar that you are a threat, and are not prey.