Cougars and Bears Live Here
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Many of our parks and forested areas surrounding the Village are home to cougars and black bears. It is important to diligent in the forests and at home to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
Keep in mind that during late spring and summer, one to two-year old cougars become independent of their mothers. While attempting to find a home range, these young cougars may roam widely in search of unoccupied territory. This is when cougars are most likely to conflict with humans.
Remove cougar and bear attractants at your home by
- Never feed deer and other prey species for cougars.
- Store your solid waste securely until the morning of collection day; household garbage is the single biggest causes for bears to be destroyed. Keep your garbage containers clean.
- Feed your pets indoors and keep your pets indoors, especially at night. Store your pet food and poultry feed in a secure location.
- Keep your BBQ clean and burn off food after each use.
- Collect fruit from your trees and fallen fruit on the ground. Contact the LUSH Valley fruit tree program if you need help.
- Keep rodents and feral rabbits under control. Cougars may feed on rodents. Keep sources of food for rats secure, including garbage, litter, and bird feeders.
- If you keep chickens or small livestock, store all your feed in a secure location and ensure feeding areas are clean and free of attractants. Use wire fencing for chickens and honey bees.
If you meet a bear or cougar in the wild, remain calm and back away slowly.
- avoid hiking or biking alone
- keep children close to you and pets under control or on a leash at all times
- talk, sing or make noise to prevent surprising an animal
- be alert and watch for tracks or other signs of wildlife, especially at dusk or dawn
- do not litter – use the garbage cans provided, or take out what you bring in.
- do not feed any wildlife, including birds and squirrels
- If you see a cougar that is watching you, maintain eye contact with the cougar and speak to it in a loud firm voice. Reinforce the fact that you are a human and not an easy target. Pick up small children and keep other children close to you. Back out of the area and seek assistance or shelter.
- If attacked by a cougar, you must fight back. Use rocks, sticks or whatever you have at hand to protect yourself.
Please report wildlife that is not fearful of humans to the BC Conservation Officer service at 1-877-952-7277.
Find out more about wildlife in the Village and staying safe around wildlife.
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