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October 30, 2021 - 8:24 AM
The Conservation Officer Service has received reports of a cougar prowling around Kelowna.
“Recently a cougar was sighted nocturnally several times in the Dilworth Mountain, Mill Creek, Houghton Road and O’Keefe Court area of the City of Kelowna over the past few nights. Kelowna cougar sighting numbers are similar to past years and represent the area we live in,” according to a press released issued by Kelowna Conservation Officer Ken Owens.
The wildcats are normally nocturnal and prey on available food sources where they live that can include deer that also live in the city, he said.
“A cougar’s ability to travel long distances occasionally brings these cats into seemingly inappropriate areas, even places densely settled by humans. Such appearances are almost always brief, with the animal moving along quickly in its search of a suitable permanent home.”
The cougar was exhibiting normal, natural behaviour and has been assessed to have a low public safety risk, Owens said.
Cougar attacks on humans are extremely rare, he said.
For tips on cougar safety and to learn more about the wildcats, visit WildSafeB.C.
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