Cougar activity has temporarily closed a number of trails in Mount Work Regional Park.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) made the decision Friday (July 18) after consultation with the BC Conservation Officer Service.
Sections of Diaphragm, Painless, Southridge Flow, Southridge and Dave's Line trails are closed until further notice.
Park visitors are asked to stay out of the closed sections of trail and keep pets on leash in the park. Campground visitors are also encouraged to always properly secure food and garbage, particularly when leaving an area unattended.
"The CRD reminds visitors that we share our natural areas with all types of large carnivores," said a CRD social media post. "Always stay alert and use caution and watch for signs of wildlife nearby, such as tracks, claw marks on trees and scat.
"Never approach or feed wildlife, and keep pets on leash at all times to reduce the risk of encounters with large carnivores."
Park visitors can report wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk to the BC Conservation Officer Service RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
Learn more about staying safe around wildlife at: https://wildsafebc.com/.
