Conservation officers are asking the public to keep their eyes peeled for a cougar after one was spotted close to a residential area near the Vedder River Saturday morning.

On April 10, around 10:50 a.m., the cat was seen on the Vedder Rotary Trail near the RCMP Pacific Region Training Centre, according to one resident of the River’s Edge community.

A conservation officer who was posting warning notices in a wooded area on Anglers Boulevard stated the cougar was also seen around noon just north of the trail near a residential area, but by 1 p.m. it was “long gone,” said another resident.

The small forested area is a popular spot where kids often ride their bikes and play.

This cougar alert was posted in a wooded area of River’s Edge on Anglers Boulevard on Aug. 10, 2021. (Rob Lachlan)

People are advised not to leave children and pets unsupervised in the area.

If a cougar approaches, people should appear large and raise their arms. If a cougar attacks, fight back.

Anyone who spots the cougar in the area is asked to call the 24-hour RAPP line (report all poachers and polluters) at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).

For more info, go to RAPP.bc.ca.

This cougar alert was posted in a wooded area of River’s Edge on Anglers Boulevard on Aug. 10, 2021. (Rob Lachlan)

Chilliwack Progress