Coquitlam cougar sightings prompt wildlife reminders

People around parts of Coquitlam are being reminded to take certain precautions after recent cougar sightings in parts of the city.

According to the Coquitlam manager of environment, Caresse Selk, cougars have been caught on surveillance cameras roaming through backyards several times since the end of December.

The animals have been spotted in the Chineside, Harbour Chines, Oakdale, and Ranch Park neighbourhoods, with no conflicts reported so far.

While a sighting may get the blood pumping, Selk tells CityNews cougars aren’t uncommon around these parts this time of year.

“This time of year there’s a lot of snowfall in the mountains so they tend to move down the mountain, their prey moves down the mountains, and this is typically the time of year that we do get phone calls and people do have sightings,” Selk explained.

“They’re active year round but when there’s not heavy snowpack in the mountains, they tend to be higher in elevation. As the snowpack deepens over the winter and the early parts of the new year, there’s just not a lot of food sources for them up in the mountains.”

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In an effort to keep everyone safe and to limit wildlife interactions, Selk says it’s a good idea for people to keep pets indoors, especially at night, to keep their dogs leashed on walks, and to feed pets inside.

“If you have bird feeders outside, make sure you do a really good job cleaning up underneath those bird feeders as they can attract smaller animals, like raccoons and mice, which cougars could then come prey on,” she said.

In addition, Selk recommends people “avoid hiking or walking alone, especially at night, dawn, and dusk, when cougars are most active,” and to be aware of your surroundings while out.

Locals are also reminded to secure garbage and recycling and to follow bylaws which, in many cases, limit what days and times your bins and carts can be placed outside for collection.

Meanwhile, cougars aren’t the only wild animals you may encounter this time of year. The city says while bears den for the winter, they “may also become temporarily active during periods of warmer weather.”

“Bears are currently being seen in the Dartmoor and Eagle Ridge Neighbourhoods. As a result, city staff are patrolling the community, with a focus on these areas, looking for attractants such as garbage and green carts put out too early for collection,” a notice posted by the city on Feb. 2 reads.

Anyone who is found not securing attractants properly could face fines totalling hundreds of dollars.

You can report both cougar and bear sightings to the BC Conservation Officer Service.