'Aggressive cougar' closes popular Vancouver Island hiking trail

A file photo of a cougar. (Pexels)

Authorities have ordered the closure of a popular hiking trail on Vancouver Island due to the presence of an "aggressive cougar."

The Regional District of Nanaimo says it closed the Ammonite Falls Regional Trail due to concerns for public safety around the animal.

The trail will remain closed between the Creekside trailhead and the Ammonite Falls viewpoint, within Benson Creek Falls Regional Park, northwest of Nanaimo, until further notice, the regional district said in a bulletin published Monday.

District officials posted trail closure signs the same day, two days after warning signs were erected at area trailheads.

According to the regional district, the cougar was observed "displaying aggressive behaviour" on the trail on Jan. 1.

Additional sightings since then have indicated the large cat is guarding its kill in the area, the bulletin said.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has been notified of the animal's presence, according to the regional district.

"Cougars are part of our natural environment," the RDN statement said. "The public is asked to take precautions in case of wildlife encounters, including travelling in groups, leashing pets and carrying bear spray."