Cougar in the neighbourhood

This afternoon around 4:30 p.m. Dave Falcon was on the trails with his mountain bike and dog, Ukie, at the end of Lac Le Jeune Road near the pond. Dave stopped to clear some branches when Ukie began to bark. At first he assumed there was a calf on the trail, since cattle are often found grazing in that area. However, the dog's bark became frantic, then Dave saw something moving in his direction approximately 20 metres away. It was a large cougar, with ears pinned back.

Dave attempted to call Ukie but there was a flurry of activity and loud noises, then silence. Assuming that Ukie did not win the struggle, and for his own safety, Dave left the area. Back home he was telling the story to his neighbour when who runs down the street? Ukie!

Ukie is at home resting, with no apparent injuries. It's a complete mystery how he survived the encounter.

This isn't Ukie, but is a reasonable facsimile, and probably what she is doing right now!

We're so happy about the END of this story! Meanwhile, keep your pets and kids safe. Dave has contacted the Conservation Officer Service.

Here is an excerpt from the Safety Guide to Cougars from the BC Ministry of Environment website:

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If you meet a cougar:

• Never approach a cougar. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable. Cougars feeding on a kill may be dangerous.
• Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
• Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
• Pick all children up off the ground immediately. Children frighten easily and their rapid movements may provoke an attack.
• Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
• Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
• Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don't crouch down or try to hide. Pick up sticks or branches and wave them about.

If a cougar behaves aggressively:

• Arm yourself with a large stick, throw rocks, speak loudly and firmly. Convince the cougar that you are a threat not prey.
• If a cougar attacks, fight back! Many people have survived cougar attacks by fighting back with anything, including rocks, sticks, bare fists, and fishing poles.

Cougars are a vital part of our diverse wildlife. Seeing a cougar should be an exciting and rewarding experience, with both you and the cougar coming away unharmed. However, if you do experience a confrontation with a cougar or feel threatened by one, immediately inform the nearest office of the Conservation Officer service.