Police in Saanich, British Columbia are warning residents to be on high alert after a cougar was spotted in a backyard on Monday evening.
According to authorities, the cougar was seen in the 4000 block of Cedar Hill Road, near the University of Victoria campus. The sighting was reported to police around 6:30 p.m.
Saanich Police Sgt. Damian Kowalewich stated that the cougar was seen walking through the backyard and then disappeared into a nearby wooded area. No one was harmed during the incident.
Police are urging residents to be cautious and to avoid approaching or confronting the cougar if spotted. Instead, they should immediately call 911 and report the sighting.
Conservation officers have been notified and are actively searching the area for the cougar. They are also reminding residents to keep their pets indoors and to avoid leaving any food or garbage outside, as these can attract wild animals.
This is not the first time a cougar has been spotted in the Saanich area. In January, a cougar was seen in the 5000 block of Cordova Bay Road, and in December, another cougar was spotted in the 4000 block of Gordon Head Road.
Residents are advised to be aware of their surroundings and to report any further sightings to the police. It is important to take precautions and to stay safe in the event of a cougar encounter.
Authorities are reminding the public to never approach or feed wild animals, and to always keep a safe distance. By following these safety measures, we can help prevent any potential harm to both humans and wildlife.
Police will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. In the meantime, residents are urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
