A cougar has been spotted in the Merritt area multiple times in the past several weeks, including near parks and residential neighbourhoods.

According to WildSafeBC, cougars are solitary animals that, unlike bears which enter hibernation, are active year-round. They typically prey on deer and may be drawn to an area where deer overwinter. They will, however, also prey on free roaming or feral cats, dogs and other small animals or livestock. There have been cases where cougars have attacked children.

It will often take a cougar several days to consume its kill, which it may cover with debris to deter scavengers. The cougar will stay near the kill and return to the area regularly until the prey has been consumed.

If you encounter a kill, you are in danger of also encountering the cougar. You should leave the area immediately and call the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

“The best cougar encounter is the one you avoid,” said a spokesperson from WildSafeBC.

“Avoid walking alone and avoid surprise encounters by making noise with your voice. Be aware that loud water or high winds may prevent your voice from carrying far. Pets should be kept under control and on leash in wildlife country. Avoid hiking or using trails with poor sightlines at dawn and dusk when predators are most active.”

Cougars are predators, and to avoid being injured or killed by a large cat that may consider you prey, there are a few safety tips to follow.

“If you encounter a cougar, keep calm and never run,” WildSafeBC continues.

“Make yourself look as large as possible and back away slowly, keeping the cougar in view, and allowing a clear exit for the cougar. Pick up children and small pets immediately. Older children should be kept close and in front of you so that you can ensure they remain calm and don’t try to flee. Never run or turn your back as sudden movements may provoke an attack.

“If you notice that a cougar that is watching you, maintain eye contact with the cougar and speak to it in a loud firm voice. Reinforce the fact that you are a human and not an easy target. If you have bear spray, withdraw it from the holster and remove the safety. Back out of the area and seek assistance or shelter.”

If you are not able to avoid an encounter with a cougar, or it begins aggressive posturing, your best bet is to respond in kind.

“If a cougar shows aggression, or begins to follow you, respond aggressively,” recommends the WildSafeBC spokesperson.

“Keep eye contact, yell and make loud noises. Never ‘play dead’. Without crouching down, pick up nearby sticks, rocks, or whatever you have at hand to quickly to use as a weapon if necessary. If the cougar attacks, fight back, focusing on its facial and eye area. If you have bear spray, discharge it. Use rocks, sticks or personal belongings as weapons. You are trying to convince the cougar that you are a threat, and not prey. If you are in a group, stay together to fend off the cougar attack.”

In areas where cougars have been or may potentially be spotted, take steps to reduce the risk, particularly to small children and domestic animals.

  • Children should play in groups. Do not leave children unsupervised.
  • Consider getting a dog or using a dog as an early warning system. A dog can see, smell and hear a cougar sooner than a human. However, be aware that off-leash dogs can attract and bring cougars and bears back to you.
  • Consider erecting a fence around play areas. While cougars can leap or scale most any fence, a solid wood fence that prevents a cougar from looking into a yard may lower the chance that a cougar will access the yard.
  • Make sure children are home before dusk and stay indoors until after dawn – the period of time cougars are most active.
  • If there have been cougar sightings, escort children to the bus stop early in the morning. Clear shrubs away from around the bus stops, making a radial area of about nine metres.
  • Installing a light at the bus stop may also increase security.