Close X
Friday, November 1, 2024
ADVT 
National

More Cougar Encounters Expected As Houses Replace Wilderness: Officer

The Canadian Press, 04 Jun, 2018 12:15 PM
  • More Cougar Encounters Expected As Houses Replace Wilderness: Officer
PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. — A British Columbia conservation officer says there will be more human-wildlife conflict as real estate development continues to encroach on wilderness areas.
 
 
Sgt. Todd Hunter of the Conservation Officer Service of B.C. says three cougars had to be killed between Thursday and Saturday in a residential part of Port Coquitlam, near a local park.
 
 
He says the cougars showed aggressive behaviour, attacked some domestic cats and had an encounter with at least one dog.
 
 
All the animals were young and believed to be part of a family unit because two were found together, which is unusual for the typically solitary species.
 
 
Hunter says studies show that relocating cougars that have already become habituated to human areas can create more dangerous situations, because the cougars aren't used to hunting in the wild.
 
 
 
 
He says they may become more aggressive if they're hungry.
 
 
"Contrary to popular belief (that) we can just move these to another area, what happens then is you're contributing ultimately to their mortality in the wild," Hunter said.
 
 
He said it's up to residents to ensure food scraps aren't left outside, because they could attract rodents and other animals to the area, which will in turn draw cougars.
 
 
"Like all British Columbians you have to take the responsibility, you can't let it slip any time of year. You have to manage your food waste, you have to manage your property, in order to reduce the chances of having a conflict."

MORE National ARTICLES

Former High-Level Montreal Politician, Construction Magnate Acquitted Of Fraud

Former High-Level Montreal Politician, Construction Magnate Acquitted Of Fraud
MONTREAL — The former No. 2 at Montreal's city hall as well as several co-accused have been acquitted of fraud and breach of trust charges.

Former High-Level Montreal Politician, Construction Magnate Acquitted Of Fraud

Vancouver Home Sales Reach 17-Year Low For April Last Month: REBGV

Vancouver Home Sales Reach 17-Year Low For April Last Month: REBGV
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver says market conditions in the city are changing as sales in April fell to a 17-year low for the month.

Vancouver Home Sales Reach 17-Year Low For April Last Month: REBGV

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Huddles With Caucus After MP's Explosive Allegations

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Huddles With Caucus After MP's Explosive Allegations
Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is huddling with his caucus behind closed doors this morning following troubling allegations from one of their colleagues.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Huddles With Caucus After MP's Explosive Allegations

Conservative MP Gord Brown Found Dead In His Parliament Hill Office

Conservative MP Gord Brown Found Dead In His Parliament Hill Office
Brown, who represents the eastern Ontario riding of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, was first elected in 2004, and won re-election three more times, including most recently in 2015.

Conservative MP Gord Brown Found Dead In His Parliament Hill Office

Gear Up Vancouverites! Grouse Grind Set To Open May 2 At 6:15 A.M.

Gear Up Vancouverites! Grouse Grind Set To Open May 2 At 6:15 A.M.
The opening will be brief, however, as the Grind is scheduled to close again May 22 for seasonal safety maintenance.

Gear Up Vancouverites! Grouse Grind Set To Open May 2 At 6:15 A.M.

B.C. Attorney General David Eby Cancels Town Hall On Tax Increase Over Safety Concerns

VANCOUVER — British Columbia's attorney general says he has cancelled a town hall meeting on a tax increase amid security concerns.

B.C. Attorney General David Eby Cancels Town Hall On Tax Increase Over Safety Concerns