Trail users are urged to avoid Bert Flinn Park in Port Moody over the next few days to allow a cougar family that was spotted in the area to head back into the wilderness.
The cougars were spotted on a webcam Wednesday at Mossom Creek Hatchery and the online video of them walking around the hatchery building has proved popular.
Conservation officer Const. Cody Ambrose said the animals aren't exhibiting any abnormal behaviour, such as eating pets and livestock or stalking humans, and will likely move away on their own.
"We're mainly asking people walking or biking on the trails to be aware the cougars are in the area and to avoid the area until the cougars move on," he told The Tri-City News.
Ambrose said cougars are drawn to that area of PoMo because of its proximity to wilderness and deer. Signs were expected to be posted Thursday.
If people must be in the area, he said, they should travel in pairs. If they spot a cougar, they should make themselves as big as possible and, if necessary, throw a stick at the animal but not run.
Ambrose said conservation officers will be monitoring the trio of cougars and people are encouraged to call 1-877-952-7277 if they spot them or other cougars.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Mossom Creek said the cougar family hasn't been seen since Wednesday and no special precautions are being taken, just the promotion of awareness.
Currently, volunteers and workers are putting in a pond and wetland area at the site.
