Moorecroft Park Cougar Sighting

The RDN is telling parents to keep their children close when visiting Moorecroft Park in Nanoose as a large cougar was spotted last Thursday.

While the event is not surprising, and there were no cougar/human conflicts people still need to be aware of the potential danger and keep a watchful eye out. Keeping an eye on your small pets is also a good idea.

Here are some tips of what to do if you encounter a cougar, more complete information can be viewed on the Ministry of Environment website:

• Never approach a cougar. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable. Cougars feeding on a kill may be dangerous.
• Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
• Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
• Pick all children up off the ground immediately. Children frighten easily and their rapid movements may provoke an attack.
• Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
• Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
• Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don't crouch down or try to hide. Pick up sticks or branches and wave them about.