Cougar sightings

https://flic.kr/p/5wUoUN

There have been several reports of cougar sightings today -- near the LLJ Lodge, across from Wilderness Resort, and near the Provincial Park.

Visit WildSafe BC for information about attractants and what to do if you encounter a cougar.

Three cougars spotted by mailbox

Kim Hammond just reported that she saw three cougars about 200 metres from the mailboxes. Kim is grateful that she was in her vehicle!

Cougars are solitary animals, so to see three together it was likely a mother with young. Cubs stay with the mother for up to 2 years.

If you see a cougar, stay calm and upright, face the animal and make eye contact, and keep your movements slow. Cougars avoid confrontation, so are inclined to move away from you.

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:

---

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.

Cougar - Logan Lake

Conservation Officers are advising Logan Lake residents and visitors to keep an eye out for a cougar. The cougar has been spotted near the golf course and campground, and is coming unusually close to people.

"Cougar closeup" by Art G. - originally posted to Flickr as Those Eyes. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Thanks to Carolyn Chandler for the heads up!

Another cougar kill?

Those of us who frequent the Gus Johnson trail and surrounding area have been watching out for the moose and calf that have been spotted in various locations -- near the trail, in yards, walking down Lookout Road, and there was even evidence that they walked across the Wyse's deck to look in the sliding glass door! It's been both thrilling and frightening to see them!

Unfortunately, the calf was recently found dead close to the clearing/ burn area between the Gus Johnson trail and Osprey Road. It's not apparent how it died, but we suspect it could have been a cougar. Over the next few days we will have a better idea. If a cougar was involved then she/he will almost certainly return on several occasions to eat the carcass. This is from the Ministry of Environment website, a useful article to read if you want a quick overview of cougar habits.

Cougar generally eat about 70 per cent (by weight) of the carcass of a big-game animal, leaving most of the larger skeletal bones, the rumen, some viscera, and parts of the hide. They will make repeated visits to a carcass, take a meal during each visit, and usually cover the remains with dirt and debris after each feed.

Meanwhile, be careful when out walking, especially in the area where the dead calf was found.

The cougar returns

The cougar came back to the cache last night. These photos are from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Cougar in the neighbourhood!

These photos were taken on Lac Le Jeune Park Drive West over a span of time from Saturday night to Monday morning. Be careful while out walking and cycling in the evening or early morning!

Cougar arrives

Kills a deer, then leaves it near the road

Returns to the kill site

Sinks his teeth into the deer

Drags the deer up the hill

Comes back awhile later

This cougar made a cache by covering the deer with grass and debris.