After a lull of several months a cougar has once again been spotted in Port Moody, likely following deer that are also making their way into the city.
The latest cougar sighting was near Aspenwood Drive at about 8 p.m. Sunday night in the city. It was posted both on Facebook and reported to the BC Conservation Officer Service, which is keeping track of the big cat.
“We’ll monitor what’s going on with that cat. Most likely that cougar is just moving through. It’s following the food sources,” said conservation officer Austin Lord.
The cougar sighting comes as deer have been spotted in the city, some even in the downtown area, in the woods near Port Moody city hall and recreation centre, according to the WARP (Wildlife Alert Reporting Program) maps.
Lord said it’s not unusual to see cougars in the area as they follow their food sources, and he warned residents to look after their pets and not to leave them alone in their yard, especially at night. He also recommends putting on a light in the back yard when dogs do their business.
“If a cougar does see that, they might see this as a nice easy meal,” Lord said.
BEAR CALLS DOWN
When faced with a cougar, one should make themselves loud and large, and to back away, he noted.
In addition to the cougar, there have been bear sightings in Port Moody in the last week, but Lord said bear calls are fewer and bruins may be getting ready to den.
Still, he advised people to secure their attractants, such as fruit, bird seed and garbage.
Not everyone is happy when someone posts to social media about a cougar. A Facebook entry about the sighting on Aspenwood Drive generated some controversy, with people saying conservation officers shouldn’t be contacted.
That’s not how Lord sees it, however.
“If they see it, let their neighbours know,” he said. “Please call us. We just like to know what the cat’s doing and where its at”
This isn’t the first time a big cat has been spotted in Port Moody this year. In August, dog-walkers were encouraged to be extra cautious while walking in Bert Flinn Park where a cougar was spotted. A cougar was also spotted in Anmore.
In March, a cougar was spotted cruising through Mossom Creek.
