Cougars continue to be seen around Port Moody and one big cat was recently spotted at Mossom Creek off Ioco Road.
The animal was just looking around as it was caught on a video March 1 at the Mossom Creek Hatchery Education Centre, run by the Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society.
Look what strolled by our forest trail cam after dark recently. #PortMoody #cougar pic.twitter.com/zBCE7T6vGv
— MossomCreek Hatchery (@mossomcreek) March 9, 2020
It’s not unusual for cougars to be in the area in search of prey, but it’s not common.
“Cougars have shown up in our cameras at all times of the year but only rarely,” said Ruth Foster, co-founder of the Mossom Creek Hatchery who posted the video in a Tweet.
Last month, the city of Port Moody put out an alert about cougars.
Here’s what the BC Conservation Officer Service says you should do if you are walking on a forested trail and spot a cougar.
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Read more about cougars here.
Cougars are in the neighbourhood, be careful
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When walking on forest trails, it’s best to make noise and remain alert. Should you encounter a cougar, do not run. Instead, pick up your pet or child, and turn and face the animal. Use your jacket or backpack to look as big as possible, and back away slowly while maintaining eye contact and making as much noise as possible, recommend conservation officers.
If you think a cougar is stalking or following you, yell at it and throw objects such as rocks or sticks.
“Let it know that you are not prey,” said conservation officer Marc Plamondon. “You want them to know that if it tries to do anything to you, it is going to get hurt.”
When you’re safe, report any encounters or sightings in an urban area to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
It’s also best to remove an attractants that might lure wild animals to your yard.
The year 2017 was a big year for cougars across the Tri-City, according to the Wildlife Alert Reporting Program, with more than 150 sightings that year.
