Officials monitoring cougar after multiple sightings in Squamish neighbourhood

Keep dogs on a leash and cats indoors if you live in Squamish’s Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood.

That is the message from the Conservation Officer Service after reports over the last few days of a cougar in the area. Sargent Simon Gravel says they have received a couple of reports of sightings of the big cat. Those sightings were in residential areas over the weekend. He says it is common for a juvenile to exhibit the signs being seen by this cougar and says they will continue to monitor the situation. Gravel wants to remind the public that we do live in a region with wildlife and cougars are seen from time to time.

If you do see a cougar, it is important to report the sighting to the Conservation Officer Service so officials can monitor the travel patterns of the animal, as well as any changes in behaviour. The public is advised not to leave pets unattended, especially at night.

If you do have an encounter with a cougar, make yourself appear large, do not run or turn your back and maintain eye contact. Officials say this year is nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to cougar sightings.