Cougar sightings have been reported in the Comox area, Comox Valley RCMP reported Friday.
A cougar was spotted Nov. 1 at 8 a.m. on the Highland Trails in Comox. These trails connect Highland Secondary School and Brooklyn Elementary School. This trail is also popular with area dog walkers, Const. Nicole Hall stated in a news release.
Another call was received Nov. 2. This sighting occurred at Aspen Road near Neptune Way in Comox earlier in the morning, around 6.
In both of these instances the cougar was not located by the RCMP or conservation officers.
No aggressive behavior was reported, however we are wanting to remind the public to be cougar aware and here are a few tips:
• Never approach a cougar.
• Always give the cougar an avenue to escape.
• Do not run. Try to back away slowly.
• Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
• Do everything you can to make yourself seem big. Don’t crouch down or try to hide. Instead, pick up sticks or branches and wave them around.
For more information, visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/education/wildlife. Sightings should be reported to the local conservation office at 250-334-3281 or to the RCMP.
— Comox Valley RCMP
