Image: File photo, FVRD / Cultus Lake Park is warning the public about the presence of a cougar after remnants from an animal attack were identified Monday afternoon near Cultus Lake Community School.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Cultus Lake Park

Cultus Lake warns public about cougar near Cultus Lake school after animal was attacked

May 27, 2024 | 6:18 PM

CHILLIWACK — Cultus Lake Park is warning the public about the presence of a cougar after remnants from an animal attack were identified Monday afternoon near Cultus Lake Community School.

According to a social media Monday evening (May 27) at 6:04 p.m., park board staff say a cougar is likely in the forested area behind Cultus Lake Community School (71 Sunnyside Boulevard) and Mountain View Road.

Personnel from British Columbia Conservation Officer Service have been notified, park board staff wrote, and will be responding to the situation.

Cultus Lake Park board staff are asking that residents and guests at Cultus Lake take caution and utilize alternate walking paths at this time and ensure that pets are kept safe.

“If you witness any further wildlife activity, please contact BC Conservation at 1-877-952-7277, or alternatively, Rachel Litchfield, Manager of Corporate Services/Corporate Officer, at 604-701-8187, or rachel.litchfield@cultuslake.bc.ca,” Cultus Lake Park wrote on Facebook.

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The area is not immune to cougar sightings and activity. In July 2023, BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) said it put down a cougar after reports that the animal reportedly killed a dog and displayed stalking behaviour towards people at a campground in Cultus Lake Provincial Park.

In a statement released Friday, July 17, 2023, COS advised that BC Parks temporarily closed the Clear Creek Campground in Cultus Lake Provincial Park on Friday to ensure the safety of visitors and campers once reports emerged of a cougar killing pets and exhibiting stalking behaviour towards people.

COS says campers were safely evacuated from the area and the campground was closed on a Friday afternoon as efforts were made to capture the cougar.

That same cougar that reportedly killed a dog was safely captured overnight Saturday and put down. The campground was reopened on Saturday morning.

“Putting down any animal is an unfortunate outcome but public safety must come first,” COS said in a statement. “Cougars that display aggressive behaviour towards people and pets are not candidates for relocation or rehabilitation.”

Safety signage remains at Cultus Lake Provincial Park. COS and BC Parks encourage visitors and campers to take precautions in case of wildlife encounters, which includes being aware of surroundings, carrying bear spray, travelling in groups and ensuring pets are leashed.