Metro Vancouver has issued a word of caution after a cougar was seen on the BCMC trail at Grouse Mountain. According to the advisory, a cougar was seen numerous times on the trail. It’s best to hike with a friend and not wear earbuds or headphones, the advisory says.
Jennifer Saltman, media relations for Metro Vancouver, said two visitors to Grouse Mountain Regional Park reported the cougar to the Grouse Mountain Resort on Saturday. They saw the cougar on the Upper BCMC trail, though it wasn’t displaying any concerning behaviour.
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Out of caution, Metro Vancouver staff has posted an advisory on their website and signs in the park to alert users about the cougar sighting. They have also reported the sighting to the BC Conservation Officer Service. It’s not uncommon for cougars to be spotted on the North Shore, Saltman added. In 2021, North Shore residents reported a cougar that was seen in Lynn Valley and Mosquito Creek trail.
In a statement to the North Shore Daily Post, Conservation Officer Simon Gravel said that people who explore local trails must be aware of their surroundings, should not travel alone, not wear head phones and most importantly, must keep their dogs on leash. “We need to be aware of our surrounding, not travel alone and always carry a bear spray. Surprising a bear or cougar can potentially cause a hazardous situation,” he said.
In June, Conservation Officer Service asked the public to avoid a popular trail network on the Sunshine Coast after a woman was attacked by a cougar. The cougar lunged and swatted at the woman, who suffered minor injuries in the incident. A group of nearby trail builders arrived moments after the encounter and scared the cougar off.
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Meanwhile, Metro Vancouver also advised that the main trailhead at Grouse Mountain Regional Park and the Grouse Grind Trail are closed while work is underway until December 2023. During this time, access to the park will be at a secondary trailhead about 250 metres east (via the parking lot). However, the BCMC Route and the Baden-Powell Trail remain open.
The BCMC Route is similar to the Grouse Grind Trail in length and elevation, but is maintained at a more ‘rustic’ standard.
“If you choose to hike the BCMC Route while the Grouse Grind Trail is closed, it’s recommended that you wear hiking shoes with good ankle support, carry lots of water, a snack and a layer to keep you warm should you need to stop,” Metro Vancouver advises.
Cougar encounter- What to do
Stay calm and pick up children while keeping the cougar in view. 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. Try to appear larger than the cougar. Get above it (e.g., step up onto a rock or stump). If wearing a jacket, hold it open to further increase your apparent size. If you are in a group, stand shoulder-to-shoulder to appear intimidating.
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. According to Western Wildlife Outreach, cougars have been driven away by people who have fought back using anything within reach, including sticks, rocks, shovels, backpacks, and clothing—even bare hands. If you are aggressive enough, a cougar will flee, realizing it has made a mistake. Pepper spray in the cougar’s face is also effective in the extreme unlikelihood of a close encounter with a cougar.
You are trying to convince the cougar that you are a threat, and are not prey. Cougar sightings can be reported to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
Odd that a Cougar is a declared sighting.
Humans have devoured the North Shore taking away the natural habitat for all animal life once found in these slopes.
A cougar should be celebrated!
I saw plenty of them back in the late forties and fifties, bears also.
Never a concern.
There were/are black panthers on the Forbidden Plateau at Vancouver Island.
I wonder if they are equally chastised?
Humans are the problem, not big cats.
Thank you.
Yes! Thank you!