Comox Valley RCMP along with conservation officers and locally contracted cougar hounds
have been kept busy the past couple of weeks with several cougar sightings.
One confirmed sighting occurred June 8 around 1 p.m. near Huband Elementary School in
Courtenay. Staff and students were kept inside to ensure their safety until it was deemed safe
for their exit to awaiting school buses and parents.
Another sighting was reported to the conservation office in the evening hours of June 9 on
Kilmarnock Road near the Spindrift area in Royston.
Numerous people have reported spotting a cougar near the area of Back Road in Comox. Two
of these incidents have been reported to the local RCMP, the most recent being on June 9.
Once again local cougar hounds were brought to the area and along with several RCMP to
ensure the public’s safety.
Conservation officers later attended but unfortunately this cougar has not yet been successfully located, although extensive patrols were completed.
The conservation office stated that although they want to be cautious as they deal with these calls, none of these cougars are reported to be exhibiting suspicious behaviour. The cougars are doing what they are supposed to do and feeding on the wildlife which is plentiful in these areas.
The public is being asked to call as soon as possible to report any cougar sightings or signs of a possible fresh feeding location as this will help the conservation officers along with the cougar hounds track the cougars.
The RCMP and conservation office are wanting the public to be aware, not alarmed, and offer the following tips:
• Talk to your children and teach them what to do should they encounter a cougar.
• Encourage children to play in groups when outdoors.
• If there have been reported cougar sightings in your area, escort your children.
If you meet a cougar:
• Never approach. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are
unpredictable.
• Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
• Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
• Pick children up immediately. Children frighten easily and their rapid movements may provoke
an attack.
• Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly.
• Do not turn your back on the cougar, remain upright.
• Do all you can to enlarge your image. Pick up branches and wave them about.
For more information please visit the Ministry of Environment website and look under
Environmental Stewardship.
If you see a cougar please call the conservation office right away at 1-877-952-7277 and provide the location, date and time of sighting.
— Comox Valley RCMP
