Parts of Whistler Mountain Bike Park closed due to ‘aggressive cougar activity’

A file photo of a cougar. (Pexels)

Sections of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park were closed Saturday after reports of “aggressive cougar activity” in the area, officials say.

A spokesperson for B.C.’s Environment Ministry told CTV News conservation officers are investigating two incidents involving one or more cougars around 7 p.m. Friday.

“In one incident, a mountain biker was approached by a cougar,” a statement reads. “The cougar disengaged when other bikers arrived but stayed in the area.”

In the second incident, a cougar reportedly chased a mountain biker for about 350 metres. He threw rocks at the animal, and it also remained in the area.

There were no injuries, according to officials. Conservation officers searched the area but didn’t find any cougars.

The Creekside and Garbanzo zones closed to bikers Saturday and will remain so “until further notice,” the Resort Municipality of Whistler said.

Cougar conflicts or aggressive behaviour can be reported to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277. Advice on what to do during a cougar encounter can be found on the WildSafeBC website.