Cougar Sightings in North Vancouver Prompt Safety Reminders

There have been cougar sightings in the past few weeks in the Blueridge and Dollarton areas.  A short article in the local newsletter by Holly Reisner, the new executive director of North Shore Black Bear Society, made residents aware of the sightings.

A recent sighting in Blueridge followed a common pattern of sighting after dark. Reisner noted that advances in home security technology, such as doorbell and security cameras, are revealing wildlife activity that has long existed but was previously unnoticed by residents.

Cougars are highly reclusive and more nocturnal than black bears. During the day, they typically rest in dense underbrush or trees to avoid human interaction, while at night, they can travel long distances in search of prey. Their diet primarily consists of deer but may also include smaller animals such as raccoons, rodents, and domestic cats.

Despite their stealth and strength, cougar attacks on humans are extremely rare. Cougars typically hunt from the ground and do not leap from trees onto their prey.

Staying Safe in Cougar Territory

The North Shore Black Bear Society advises residents to take precautions when living in areas where cougars are present. Key safety tips from the newsletter include:

Announcing Your Presence – Use your voice when walking, especially at night, to alert cougars and allow them to avoid human encounters.

Supervising Pets and Children – Keep small children close and dogs on a short leash. Before letting pets outside at night, turn on backyard lights and check the area.

Responding to a Cougar Encounter – If you see a cougar, pick up small children and pets, maintain eye contact, and slowly back away. If the animal appears focused on you, stand tall, raise your arms to appear larger, and use a deep voice to yell at it. Do not run or scream, as this could trigger a predatory response.

Cougar struck by car in Dollarton 

Reisner also noted a recent incident in Dollarton, where a cougar was struck by a car while crossing the road. The incident happened two weeks ago at night, around 10 p.m. The animal fled into nearby bushes, and no further sightings have been reported.

Reisner noted that even minor injuries can become fatal if the animal has been exposed to rodenticides, explaining that certain rodent poisons contain anticoagulants, which impair blood clotting. If a poisoned predator suffers an injury, the internal bleeding caused by these chemicals can lead to death.

“Rodenticides don’t just affect rodents—they spread through the food chain, putting our wildlife at risk,” the newsletter states, urging residents to opt for humane pest control methods such as exclusion rather than chemical poisons. The North Shore Black Bear Society has emphasized the importance of education, responsible pest control, and proactive safety measures to foster coexistence with the region’s apex predators.

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