Written by NatureNerd

The following article contains details on what to do in the case of a Cougar Encounter.

Wow! Just read about GeoScavenger’s Cougar encounter on Mt. Wells. How scary is that?!?Anyway, it reminded be that when we at CRD Parks ever hear of any sightings, especially close encounters such as that, we contact the provincial Conservation Officer and inform them of the details. I have passed the information from GeoScavenger’s account on to them.

I’m not sure exactly what they do with the information, but they do want to hear about these sightings.

So….for anyone else who sights a cougar at close quarters while out there geocaching (or hiking or whatever), here is the toll free number of the Conservation Officer:
1-800-663-9453

Also, here are some tips from the Province of B.C. pamphlet on Safety Guide to Cougars:Hiking in Cougar Country:

• Hike in groups of two or more. Make enough noise to prevent surprising a cougar.
• Carry a sturdy walking stick to be used as a weapon if necessary
• Keep children close-at-hand and under control
• Watch for cougar tracks and signs. Cougars cover unconsumed portions of their kills with soil and leaf litter. Avoid these food caches.
• Cougar kittens are usually well-hidden. However, if you do stumble upon cougar kittens, do not approach or attempt to pick them up. Leave the area immediately, as a female will defend her young.

If You Meet a Cougar

• Never approach a cougar. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable. Cougars feeding on a kill may be dangerous.
• Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
• Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice (easier said than done – naturenerd)
• Pick all children up off the ground immediately. Children frighten easily and their rapid movements may provoke an attack.
• Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
• Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
• Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don’t crouch down to try to hide. Pick up sticks or branches and wave them about.

If a Cougar Behaves Agressively:

• Arm yourself with a large stick, throw rocks, speak loudly and firmly. Convince the cougar that you are a threat, not prey.
• If a cougar attacks, fight back! Many people have survived cougar attacks by fighting back with anything, including rocks, sticks, bare fists, and fishing poles.

Again, the number to call re cougar sightings is:
1-800-663-9453