Cougar spotted on Grouse Mountain trail, cautionary warning issued

Metro Vancouver Regional Parks has issued a warning urging caution after a cougar sighting on Grouse Mountain this weekend.

In a statement to CityNews, the park authority says two visitors to the mountain reported the sighting on the upper BCMC Trail early on Saturday morning.

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They say there was no mention of the cougar displaying any concerning behaviour, and it was likely just passing through.

The park authority adds that it’s always best to hike with a friend, and not wear earbuds or headphones when on trails.

WildSafe BC says cougars account for around 2,500 calls to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) every year, and say anyone who encounters one of these large felines should “keep calm and never run.”

According to WildSafe’s page dedicated to cougar safety, it is best to maintain eye contact with it, make yourself look large, and speak to it in a loud firm voice while slowly backing out of the area.

Metro Vancouver Regional Parks says it reported the sightings to the BCCOS.