After unverified reports of a cougar seen in Centennial Park and elsewhere in town, Conservation Officer James Zucchelli is reminding people who see a big predator to call the CO Service.
“There has been no confirmed report of a cougar sighting or cougar activity in the District of 100 Mile House within the past few weeks.
“We’re hearing about it on the radio, through Facebook and through the coffee shop. It’s not being reported directly to us.”
For a timely response and the best chance to capture a predator, the CO Service needs some sort of physical evidence, he explains, and quickly, while the big cat is still in the area.
Zucchelli says preserved evidence such as fresh tracks or other recent animal traces, an injured animal or carcass, or visual sightings are required – not word of mouth.
Cats move fast, are transient, and often backtrack to return to the same neighbourhood or an adjacent residential area, he adds.
If you sight a cougar or other large predator (providing your safety is assured), it’s important to take note of the animal’s description, behaviour, direction of travel and anything unusual or distinguishing, he says, adding they need the time and date.
Then call in the sighting as soon as possible to 1-877-952-7277 (24 hours/seven days) to notify the CO Service and get someone on the job to track it down.
