A week after a family's run in with a cougar at Sasamat Lake, conservation officers are warning Coquitlam residents living in neighbourhoods north of David Avenue near the Coquitlam river to be on the lookout for a big cat.
The animal is not believed to be the same one that attacked a dog on private property fronting Sasamat Lake last week. This cougar lives in the Coquitlam River ravine which connects urban Coquitlam with the backwoods of B.C.
The Conservation Officer Service is putting out a public warning to Coquitlam residents because of the frequency of this cougar showing up in residential streets and back yards.
Officers will continue to monitor the cougar and is encouraging people to take precautions.
"We want residents to be aware that a cougar is in the area, but to our knowledge hasn't had any conflicts with people. Cougar sightings in this area are common as greenbelts run from the mountains into Coquitlam. If residents want further information on cougars they are encouraged to refer to the COS website." the officers stated in a press release.
All sightings and conflicts should be reported to the COS at 1-877-952-7277.
For more information, visit here.
Last week, a family had a run-in with a cougar in their yard on Sasamat Lake when their puppy was attacked. Officers suspect the cougar was hunting on the shoreline, was surprised by the dog, and attacked defensively.
A teenage boy tried to fend off the cougar until the big cat took a swipe at him, and missed. The animal eventually left the property, leaving the dog with several scratches to its head and back.
