Saanich residents are reminded to be wary of wildlife after a trio of cougars spotted over the weekend in two areas of Saanich.
Two cougars reported in two days near the University of Victoria prompted warnings from the school.
The first sighting Saturday (Sept. 28) was reported around 8 p.m. near Parking Lot 10 at UVic, the institution said in a news release reminding resident this is the time of year the wildlife is occasionally seen on campus. Sunday around 5 p.m., a second sighting was reported near parking lot 1 on a path toward Cedar Hill Road.
“Please be aware of your surroundings and use caution while using the trails or wooded areas,” reads the UVic release.
Anyone who sees a cougar on campus is asked to call Campus Security at 250-721-7599.
Saanich police warned residents of a cougar cub sighting Sunday shortly after 5 p.m. in near South Valley Park, near Panama Flats. An adult cougar was also believed to have been heard nearby.
“No other sightings have been reported, and conservation officers have been advised. Residents of the area are advised to be mindful of their surroundings, families, and pets,” police said in a news release.
Usually encountered near dusk and dawn when cougars are most active, the animals are generally elusive and rarely attack humans, a hungry cougar may come into contact with people during its search for food.
In the event of a cougar encounter, WildSafeBC advises picking up any children, acting big and slowly backing away to give the cougar a clear escape route. If a cougar follows, respond aggressively by making loud noises, maintaining eye contact and grabbing any nearby sticks and rocks to use as weapons. If a cougar attacks, fight back.
To report cougars in conflict, sightings in urban areas, or a cougar showing unusual or aggressive behaviour, call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
