Neighbours in the Albion area are keeping an eye out after a cougar prowled around the area around Beecham Place.
Ian Lindquist got some video of the animal casually sauntering up the driveway and across the lawn on Wednesday night.
Cherie Farahbackhchian saw a cougar on Saturday night about 8 p.m. on 106B Avenue.
“It was quite large. You don’t expect it in the suburbs.” It was standing across the road near a greenbelt when her daughter drove up and scared it off.
According to the Ministry of Environment, if people encounter a cougar, they should stay calm and keep the cougar in view, pick up children immediately. Children frighten easily and the noise and movements they make could provoke an attack. Back away slowly, ensuring that the animal has a clear avenue of escape.
Make yourself look as large as possible and keep the cougar in front of you at all times. Never run or turn your back on a cougar, sudden movement may provoke an attack
If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively, maintain eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noise. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons
If a cougar attacks, fight back, convince the cougar you are a threat and not prey, use anything you can as a weapon. Focus your attack on the cougar’s face and eyes. Use rocks, sticks, bear spray or personal belongings as weapons. You are trying to convince the cougar that you are a threat, and are not prey.
