Editor:
Because of a cougar encounter near Cultus Lake today, I felt it appropriate to warn our rural folk about a local encounter.
Please be advised that on Monday evening, July 29, near 9 p.m., my wife and I observed a cougar not 15 metres from our back door. My initial thought that it was a bobcat, until I had a clear look at its body and tail.
The cat looked to be in the 25 kilo (50 lbs.) weight range and also looked to be quite healthy, but young. Once I loudly clapped my hands and yelled out it quickly ran down to the nearby ravine.
I have reported the sighting to the provincial wild animal conservation department but feel it only prudent that folks in Mount Lehman and north Bradner be made aware of this encounter.
Incidentally, near about the same time, my neighbour across the Taylor Road from our farm, encountered a black bear, also close to his house. In both cases, we have watering troughs nearby the sightings and perhaps both animals were seeking water.
Brian and Donna Kingman, Mt. Lehman
