Police are warning pedestrians about an adult cougar roaming near downtown Victoria, telling them to avoid the area this morning.
Victoria Police say on social media the cougar was spotted near Jutland Road and Dunedin Street, near the Victoria waterfront and north of the downtown core.
VicPD File 23-43261
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) November 21, 2023
An adult cougar has been sighted in the area of Jutland Rd and Dunedin Rd. Officers are on scene. Pedestrians are advised to avoid the area. Further updates to follow. #yyj pic.twitter.com/UxuBDEsvWZ
They say the Conservation Officer Service has been contacted "to address the cougar," and officers are alerting residents to keep them safe.
Photos on social media show police cars blocking off roads in the area.
The neighbourhood where the cougar was spotted features a mix of low-rise residential and office buildings mixed with open parking lots.