Nelson police say a cougar has been spotted in town.
It was seen Sunday at about 3 a.m. in the 2400 block of Perrier Rd., although it wasn't reported to police until Tuesday morning.
“If you come into contact with a cougar that does not run away, stay calm, stand your ground, and do not back down,” Sgt. Corey Hoy said in a prepared statement. “Back away slowly if possibly and when safe to do so. Pick up children, but do not bend down, turn your back, or run. Running triggers an innate predatory response in cougars which could lead to attack.”
Raise your voice and speak firmly. Raise your arms to make yourself look larger, clap your hands, or throw something if it’s already in your hands — don’t bend down to pick something up, however, as it could trigger a pounce response in the cougar.
Any sightings can be reported to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 or the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919.
(CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story erroneously stated that there had been two cougar sightings.)