Back To School Cougar Safety

Cougars are most active from dusk until dawn. The days are getting shorter and the kids are back in school: consider these tips for keeping them safe.

How to avoid a conflict with wildlife as we head back to school:

• Escort children to and from the bus stop and stay together in groups whenever possible.
• Increase visibility by waiting for the bus in an open area, or consider clearing shrubs and tall vegetation in a 9m radius around the bus stop.
• Carry flashlights or lanterns and make lots of noise.
• Don’t leave small children unsupervised, and teach older children what to do if they encounter a cougar.
• If you bring your dogs, keep them on a leash.

What to do if you encounter a cougar:

• Keep calm and never run.
• Make yourself look as large as possible and back away.
• Pick up children and small pets immediately.
• Older children should be kept close and in front of you.
• If you notice that a cougar is watching you, shows aggression or starts to follow you, maintain eye contact, yell and make loud noises. Do not turn your back on the cougar.
• If a cougar starts to attack you, fight back.

Conflicts with wildlife where public safety may be at risk should be reported to the Conservation Officer hotline at 1-877-952-7277.

Find out more about Living with Wildlife on Bowen.

Questions? Contact Carla Skuce, Manager of Environment and Parks Planning at 604-947-4255 ext. 244 or email cskuce@bimbc.ca.