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What to do if you come face-to-face with a cougar

Big cats spotted in Queenswood Drive, Rithet’s Bog, Gordon Head, Cadboro Bay in Saanich
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If a cougar shows interest or attacks, be aggressive and make loud noises, Saanich police are advising after receiving four reports of cougar sightings in a little over 30 hours.

The first came about 10 p.m. Sunday when a Queenswood Drive resident reported seeing a cougar attack a deer. The cougar was scared off by the man and his family.

Police were unable to locate the big cat.

The next incident was at about 4:15 p.m. Monday when a man walking around Rithet’s Bog saw what he first assumed was a dog walking through the area. He later came to believe it was a cougar due its low profile.

He said it was not aggressive and didn’t pay any attention to him as he passed by.

The third call came about 2 a.m. Tuesday in the vicinity of Hillcrest Avenue and King Alfred Court, where a cougar was reported to have run into the bushes. The fourth came at about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday on Oceanwood Lane, off Cordova Bay Road.

“He was quite clear it was a cougar,” Saanich police Sgt. Julie Fast said of the Oceanwood incident.

Conservation officer Peter Pauwels said this is the time of year when increased numbers of cougars are visible.

“We tend to get more sightings as the days get longer, for sure,” he said. “The cougars are always around, but spring and summer we tend to get a lot.”

Saanich police advised staying inside if you see a cougar and ensuring that children and pets are also indoors. Call your local police and the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

Anyone who is outside when a cougar is spotted should remain calm and make themselves appear as big as possible. Pick up children and small pets. If the cougar shows interest or attacks, be aggressive and make loud noises.

jwbell@timescolonist.com