West Vancouver cougar caught on door cam
Posted June 12, 2023 11:15 am.
Last Updated June 12, 2023 1:09 pm.
The North Shore is rife with wildlife, and one West Vancouver resident is sharing some stunning video that captured a cougar up close.
Scott emailed CityNews to share the footage, caught via a door camera at the home along Meadfeild Road Sunday.
The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) says it has not received any official report about this cougar. However, it tells CityNews it is aware of the video.
The cougar is seen walking up a path to the home before leaving the frame.
Lisa Lopez, program manager with WildsafeBC, says the video footage captured is rather unique.
“It is quite a clear video clip for sure and it is something that’s probably surprising for the homeowner to find on their video feed,” she told CityNews.
She says encounters between humans and cougars are uncommon, but has some advice to minimize the risk.
“Make sure if you’re out and about, your pets are leashed. Make sure that for small children, they’re playing in a safe space in a group or are with you nearby,” Lopez explained.
“The tendency of small children or pets is to act differently than you would.”
Additionally, Lopez suggests keeping an eye out for potential attractants for the big cats, including if there is an abundance of deer around that could be prey.
According to the District of West Vancouver, “cougar sightings are very rare.” Despite this, people are urged to be aware and know what to do if they spot a big cat.
The district notes the animals are “most active between dusk and dawn,” though they can be spotted any time of day.
What to do if you encounter a cougar
If you encounter a cougar, you’re told to stay calm, pick up children and small pets right away, and make yourself look large.
You’re also told to:
- Maintain eye contact and keep the cougar in sight
- Speak to it loudly
- Slowly back away
- Give the animal space to leave
- At no point are you to turn your back to the cougar
In addition to the above advice, Lopez says it’s important not to run or turn your back on the animal.
What to do if you’re being attacked by a cougar
If you are being attacked or approached by a cougar, the advice is much of the same. People are urged to:
- Be “big, brave, and loud,” and show the cougar you are not food
- Use a loud firm tone to say, ‘Go away cougar!’
- Maintain eye contact and keep the cougar in sight
- Make yourself look large and aggressive by raising your arms in the air or holding up an item you have (like a bicycle)
- If possible, throw sticks and rocks at the cougar (avoid crouching for a long time)
- Prepare your bear spray or deterrent
- Slowly distance yourself
- If you are attacked, fight back with everything you have and focus on the eyes and face
Sunshine Coast cougar attack
While the BCCOS tells CityNews it hasn’t received any calls about this particular cougar in West Vancouver, it did have to issue a warning on the Sunshine Coast after a woman was attacked Sunday.
The service urged people to avoid a popular trail network in the Roberts Creek area after the woman, who was mountain biking near the B+K FSR, was chased by a cougar, which then lunged and swatted her.
