
WildSafeBC notifies public about cougar sighting near popular Chilliwack hiking trail
CHILLIWACK — The Fraser Valley chapter of WildSafeBC is warning hikers and trail runners about a cougar sighting near a popular Chilliwack hiking trail.
According to the text of a social media post Thursday afternoon, WildSafeBC, which promotes the conservation of fish and wildlife resources in B.C., said the City of Chilliwack has asked them to warn the public about a cougar sighting on Little Mountain near the water tower. There is a popular hiking trail comprised largely of stairs that leads up the hillside leading to the water tower, just off Yale Road in Chilliwack.
“Keep your backpack on. If you see a cougar keep your eye on them, you can throw rocks at them,” WildSafeBC Fraser Valley wrote. “Be big and loud….Hey Cougar, Hey Cougar. Keep your pets leashed and small children close to you. Bear spray also is effective with cougars. Please learn how to use it (I can help you with that!).”
WildSafeBC also says if at all possible, people should avoid encounters with cougars; be aware of their surroundings and carry bear spray; in the event of a cougar sighting, stop and stay calm but do not turn your back and do not run; maintain eye contact, look big, yell as needed, and be assertive before backing away slowly; and lastly, if attacked, fight back, stay together as a group and use bear spray.