In light of the recent cougar attack on a woman in the Fraser Valley, here are some safety tips should you find yourself face-to-face with one of the big cats.
If you encounter a cougar
• Stay calm and keep it in view.
• Pick up children immediately. Children frighten easily and their noise and movements could provoke an attack.
• Back away slowly, ensuring that the animal has a clear avenue of escape
• Make yourself look as large as possible and keep the cougar in front of you at all times.
• Never run or turn your back on a cougar.
• Know that sudden movement may provoke an attack.
• If a cougar shows interest or follows you: Respond aggressively, keep eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noises. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons.
• If a cougar attacks, fight back — convince the cougar you are a threat and not prey.
• Use anything you can as a weapon.
• Focus your attack on the cougar’s face and eyes.
• Use rocks, sticks, bear spray or personal belongings as weapons.
When in the backcountry
• Keep pets leashed or leave them at home.
• Always keep children in sight. Cougars can be attracted to children due to their small size and the noise they make. Never let your children wander.
• Make noise as you move to avoid surprise encounters with cougars (and bears).
• Be extra vigilant in strong wind or near loud water.
• You can carry a walking stick as a weapon.
• Watch for cougar tracks and signs (scratched trees, scat, food caches — unconsumed prey covered with vegetation). If you encounter food caches or fresh tracks, leave the area immediately.
• If hiking, travel in a group. Cougars are less likely to attack groups of people. Avoid hiking alone.
• Keep a clean camp. Reduce odors that may attract small mammals like racoons, which in turn attract cougars.
• Store meat, other foods, pet food and garbage in double plastic bags to avoid attracting potential prey species.
• Carry bear spray.
Contact the COS Call Centre 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) if a cougar poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety.
Source: Province of B.C.
