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November 25, 2022 - 11:56 AM
Cougar sightings along with a recent encounter with a big cat has lead a group of volunteers to issue a warning to those using the Okanagan Rail Trail.
Two women recently had an encounter with a cougar on the trail, a few kilometres south of West Kal Road in Coldstream, according to a Facebook post by the Okanagan Rail Trail Society.
"It was kind of lurking around them and at one point it started walking towards them," said Const. Chris Terleski, with the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. "They ended up going into the water at some point just to try to get away from it."
The incident happened Wednesday, Nov. 23, and police received a call at roughly 5 p.m. The Coldstream Fire Department also responded and gave the women a ride off of the trail. No injuries were reported.
Police will sometimes respond to cougar sightings in urban areas and if the caller dials 9-1-1, RCMP will be the first to respond opposed to conservation officers, Const. Terleski said.
Last week, a cougar was also spotted on the east side of Wood Lake along the rail trail, north of Cliffe Road and was reported to the Conservation Officer Service.
"Cougar attacks are very rare, but if you encounter a cougar, keep calm and never run. Make yourself look as large as possible and back away slowly, keeping the cougar in view, and allowing a clear exit for the cougar. If attacked, always fight back and never 'play dead.' If travelling with small children, pick them up immediately," according to WildSafeBC.
To report cougars in conflict, sightings in urban areas, or a cougar showing unusual or aggressive behaviour, call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
The Conservation Officer Service was not immediately available for comment.
— This story was updated at 1:36 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, to include a comment from RCMP.
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