The Nootka Sound RCMP would like to advise the public of a cougar which appears to be actively hunting domestic animals in the Tsaxana area.
At approximately 9:30am this morning, a man was walking up the hill towards Tsaxana with three dogs when the dogs began barking furiously. He turned around to look behind him and saw a large cougar no more than 10 ft away with it’s head and ears down and tail up, looking as though it was preparing to lunge at him.
The male started to run away and witnessed one of the little dogs being grabbed by the cougar and taken into the bushes.
RCMP have attended the area and BC Conservation are on their way with dogs to track the animal.
There have been other cougar sightings in this same area, as well as one report of a cougar seen with a house cat in it’s mouth.
Nootka Sound RCMP are urging the public to avoid walking in this area for the time being until the cat is located.
Email This Post
Sgt. Fiddler confirmed earlier today that Conservation Officers located the cougar a few short meters away from the body of the dog that was taken. Conservation noted a lot of tracks in the area, leading them to believe the cat had been living there for quite some time.
I just want to know if there is more than one cougar hanging around Tsaxana reserve. I live in town of Gold River but sometimes I walk to the reserve to visit family. I do not want to take chances walking to the reserve if there is more cougars around the reserve. Please let me know. Thank you.
I can’t say for sure one way or the other Teresa, but I think a cougar living in the area between town and Tsaxana is always be a possibility. Bears too. I’d make sure and not walk alone if you’re heading out there – just to be safe!