The District has put out another alert about a cougar.
About a week ago, on Nov. 13, the District warned about cougar sightings near the Eaglewind community close to downtown Squamish.
This time, the muni warns folks to be aware when out and about near Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
Signage has been posted around the centre after the District received a report of a deer carcass on the fields Sunday morning near the Aquatic Centre entrance.
"The condition of the large carcass and signs of it being dragged a distance suggest that of a cougar kill," reads the alert.
A deer herd has also been observed in the area, so the District said conservation officers have said a cougar is likely following the herd.
The local soccer associations have been informed and will be helping to share this information, the alert said.
Here's how to stay safe around wildlife, including cougars, according to the district:
- Be alert and aware at all times.
- Avoid surprise encounters by making noise — use your voice.
- Hike or bike in groups of two or more and keep children close at hand.
- Keep dogs leashed.
- Look for signs of fresh cougar activity — claw marks on trees or logs, scat or paw prints.
- Avoid food caches: cougars will cover unconsumed portions of their kill with twigs, leaf litter or soil. If you come across a cache, leave the area immediately.
- Slow down going around blind corners and make noise. Riding or running quickly and quietly puts you at risk for surprise encounters.
- If you encounter cougar kittens, do not approach or attempt to pick them up. Leave the area immediately, females will defend their young.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
For your safety:
- Never approach a cougar.
- Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
- Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
- Pick all children up off the ground immediately. Children frighten easily and their rapid movements may provoke an attack.
- Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
- Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
- Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don't crouch down or try to hide. Pick up sticks or branches and wave them about.
Report all wildlife sightings and/or encounters to the Conservation Officer Service 24-hour hotline at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP).
**Please note that we corrected this story to say the carcass was found near the entrance, not in front of it.
