Authorities have issued a word of caution after a cougar was seen in Lillooet. In a social media, the District of Lillooet said it has been advised by RCMP that a cougar was spotted in town.
“The last sighting was reported around the Ployart’s Trailer Park area. Please take precautions and beware of your surrounding if you are outdoors,” District said. “It is advisable to keep pets and small children indoors until this situation has been resolved. The BC Conservation Services is also assisting the RCMP in locating the animal.”
Below are some are guidelines in the event that you encounter a cougar.
Stay calm and keep the cougar in view, pick up children immediately. Children frighten easily and the noise and movements they make could provoke an attack. Back away slowly, ensuring that the animal has a clear avenue of escape
Make yourself look as large as possible and keep the cougar in front of you at all times. Never run or turn your back on a cougar, sudden movement may provoke an attack
If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively, maintain eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noise. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons
If a cougar attacks, fight back, convince the cougar you are a threat and not prey, use anything you can as a weapon. Focus your attack on the cougar’s face and eyes. Use rocks, sticks, bear spray or personal belongings as weapons. You are trying to convince the cougar that you are a threat, and are not prey.