Close X
Tuesday, November 5, 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

B.C. City Wants Exemption From Proposed Real Estate Speculation Tax

B.C. City Wants Exemption From Proposed Real Estate Speculation Tax
Communities across British Columbia are speaking out against the province's proposed speculation tax on real estate, saying the levy could damage their economies.

B.C. City Wants Exemption From Proposed Real Estate Speculation Tax

Trump's New Economic Aide: Loves Trade With Canada, Calls PM Justin Trudeau 'Crazy' Lefty

U.S. President Donald Trump's new top economic adviser's views on trade will likely thrill Justin Trudeau — so long as he's willing to overlook some of his other views: specifically, those involving the prime minister himself.

Trump's New Economic Aide: Loves Trade With Canada, Calls PM Justin Trudeau 'Crazy' Lefty

Ale Analysis: Ancient Beer Brought To Life By Classicist And Winnipeg Brewery

Ale Analysis: Ancient Beer Brought To Life By Classicist And Winnipeg Brewery
An idea that began when a classicist went to a brewery to sip beers and ponder the history of hops has brought to life an ancient ale.

Ale Analysis: Ancient Beer Brought To Life By Classicist And Winnipeg Brewery

Police Officer Attacked: Suspect To Go To Trial In Edmonton On 12 Charges

Police Officer Attacked: Suspect To Go To Trial In Edmonton On 12 Charges
EDMONTON — A man accused in the attempted murder of an Edmonton police officer is facing a trial after two mental-health assessments found he's fit to do so.

Police Officer Attacked: Suspect To Go To Trial In Edmonton On 12 Charges

Arvind Kejriwal Apologises To Punjab Leader Bikram Majithia For 'Unfounded' Drug Trade Allegations

Arvind Kejriwal Apologises To Punjab Leader Bikram Majithia For 'Unfounded' Drug Trade Allegations
Kejriwal apologises, ex-Minister Majithia says will withdraw defamation case

Arvind Kejriwal Apologises To Punjab Leader Bikram Majithia For 'Unfounded' Drug Trade Allegations

New Video Shows NDP's Jagmeet Singh At 2016 Seminar Where Speakers Endorsed Violence

New Video Shows NDP's Jagmeet Singh At 2016 Seminar Where Speakers Endorsed Violence
The video, posted on YouTube by the U.K.'s National Sikh Youth Federation, was shot in 2016 at an event focused on Sikh independence.

New Video Shows NDP's Jagmeet Singh At 2016 Seminar Where Speakers Endorsed Violence