Image: File photo, The Canadian Press / File photo of a cougar.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Cougar at Chilliwack hiking spot

Cougar spotted at Chilliwack hiking trail

Dec 30, 2025 | 8:31 AM

CHILLIWACK — WildSafeBC is alerting Chilliwack residents about a cougar sighting at a Promontory hiking trail earlier this week.

The non-profit organization reported on social media yesterday that a cougar was reported at Mt. Thom in Chilliwack earlier this week. A hiker described the cougar as “chirping” and exhibiting curious behaviour before it eventually ran off.

While it’s no secret that cougars live in the eastern Fraser Valley year-round, WildSafeBC is urging trail users and hikers to remain alert while hiking, to hike in groups if at all possible, and take precautions when encountering a cougar.

For example, WildSafeBC reminds people to avoid running or bolting from the scene, maintaining eye contact, making yourself appear larger, backing away slowly, and keeping children and pets close.

WildSafeBC says residents can report any cougar sightings or unusual wildlife behaviour to the BC Conservation Officer Service RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

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Cougar encounters are not unusual in British Columbia.

In August 2025, British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service investigated a cougar attack on a mountain biker near Squamish. A man was mountain biking on the alpine near Garibaldi Provincial Park when the cougar chased him, made contact and then continued to follow the man for about 20 minutes. It says the man was walking backwards holding his bike and managed to throw rocks at the cougar, which then left. The encounter was then reported to conservation officers.

In July 2025, a B.C. man suffered minor injuries after fending off a cougar attack by punching the animal in the face near Smithers, B.C. Conservation officers said the man was working near Lake Kathlyn when the animal approached and swiped his upper body, The man told officers that he punched the cougar in the face and the animal then disengaged. The man suffered non-life-threatening injuries and did not need to be hospitalized.

In June 2025, WildSafeBC, which promotes the conservation of fish and wildlife resources, said the City of Chilliwack had 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!).”