A sign at Mosquito Lake near Pemberton warning visitors of a cougar and her kitten sparked concern in a local community Facebook group this week. The sign, which says, “Cougar Alert, large female seen in area with kitten," is thought to have been hung on a tree in May. However, the party that posted the sign is still unknown.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change said the Conservation Officer Service was not behind the sign.
Public affairs officer for the ministry, Pamela Roth, said conservation officers did not receive any recent reports of a cougar and kitten in the area, and the COS did not put up any signage around Mosquito Lake. However, locals are reminded to take necessary precautions while exploring the wildlife habitat.
“People are encouraged to familiarize themselves with precautions in case of wildlife encounters, including being aware of your surroundings, travelling in groups and ensuring pets are leashed,” said Roth. “People are also encouraged to ensure any attractants, such as garbage or pet food, are securely stored so wildlife can’t access them to help reduce human-wildlife conflicts.”
Cougar conflicts can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277. Conservation Officers will review reports of cougar activity in the area and respond as necessary to ensure public safety.
For more tips, head to WildSafeBC.com
Cougar activity in the Pemberton area is not uncommon, and the animals are most active between dusk and dawn. According to WildSafeBC, cougars—also commonly referred to as mountain lions, pumas and panthers—account for about 2,500 calls to the BC COS every year, but many of those reported sightings turn out to be other animals, not cougars.
The provincial government’s website lists guidelines on dealing with cougar encounters:
-Stay calm and keep the cougar in view, and pick up children immediately. Children frighten easily and the noise and movements they make could provoke an attack. Back away slowly, ensuring 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 noise. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons.
-If a cougar attacks, fight back, convince the cougar you are a threat and not prey, and 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, not prey.
