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Cougar sightings increase in Nelson area

WildSafe BC’s Dave White offers advice on avoiding confrontations
13623956_web1_copy_180919-KWS-M-Cougar
Photo: Adobestock

By Dave White

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Cougars are the largest of Canada’s three cat species and are consummate hunters that are strictly carnivorous.

Unlike bears that depend on their sense of smell to direct them to food, cougar’s main sense is their eyesight. Like most cat species they have very good night vision from an increased number of rods in their retina. Cougars can reach up to 100 kilograms but are mostly in the 60-80 kg range, with females 25 per cent lighter than males.

Cougars have a wide variety of prey species, from rodents to deer. They move great distances in search of prey, but if a cougar is seen over a number of days near your property, it likely has a kill cached close by. Removal of the carcass will prompt the cougar to move on. The conservation officer service should be contacted in such an event.

Cougar activity in the Nelson area has been at a very high level this summer, with the highest activity along the North Shore, between Livingston Road and Six Mile. A large number of house pets have been taken by cougars in this area. Luckily no people have been attacked in the Nelson area, but attacks have occurred in the Kootenays, Washington, and Oregon this summer.

Cougars usually avoid people but if they do attack they tend to focus on young children and small adults. To avoid conflict with cougars while hiking, keep pets on a leash and keep young children close at hand, trying not let them run ahead on their own (a difficult task). Hike with friends, as large groups are one of the best deterrents to predators.

If you encounter a cougar, get close together with the people you are with, don’t run or turn your back on the cougar, talk in a loud low voice and maintain eye contact. If the cougar approaches, act aggressively and prepare to fight back using what weapons you have at hand. Always carry bear spray, as it usually stops aggression in all predators.

To avoid attracting cougars to your home, don’t let pets roam free, especially between dusk and dawn. Feed your pets indoors and never feed deer or other prey species as this will also attract cougars to your property. If you have chickens or small livestock install an electric fence and have a covered structure to keep the animals in at night (cougars can easily leap over a standard electric fence designed to keep bears out).

If you wish to discuss any other issues regarding wildlife, contact me by email: nelson@wildsafebc.com or call 250-505-6007. If you are experiencing a conflict with wildlife please call the Conservation Officer Service, RAPP Line at 1-877-952-7277.

David White is the local WildSafeBC co-ordinator.