A cougar was sighted in the East Courtenay area today, (Friday, Feb.8), according to Comox Valley RCMP.
RCMP responded to the cougar sighting at 6:50 a.m. in the 400 block of Cowichan Avenue in Courtenay.
RCMP and conservation officers were not able to locate the cougar.
"No aggressive behaviour was reported, however, we are wanting to remind the public to be cougar aware," says Const. Kelly Godard with the RCMP.
Here are a few tips from the RCMP:
-Never approach a cougar
-Always give a cougar an avenue to escape
-Do not run; back away slowly
-Do not turn your back on a cougar; face the cougar and remain upright
-Do everything you can to make yourself seem big; don't crouch down or try to hide, instead, pick up sticks or branches and wave them around
For more information, visit http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/cougsf.htm.
Cougar sightings should be reported to the local conservation office at 250-334-3281 or to the RCMP at 250-338-1321.