2 cougar sightings reported in Saanich, police warn

A file photo of a cougar. (Pexels)

Police in Saanich are advising residents of two cougar sightings in the Gordon Head area Saturday night and early Sunday.

The first cougar sighting was reported around 9:30 p.m. Saturday near Tyndall Avenue and Grandview Drive, and the second was just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday in the 1800 block of El Sereno Drive, according to the Saanich Police Department.

Police said the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has been notified.

“These were non-aggressive sightings, and there’s no ongoing concern at this time,” Insp. Damian Kowalewich said, in a statement Sunday. “We’re sharing the information so residents can remain aware and take reasonable precautions.”

The department added that cougars are present all over Vancouver Island, particularly near parks and undeveloped areas, but most encounters do not result in aggressive behaviour.

Police asked anyone who witnesses a cougar in an urban area to report the sighting to the BCCOS.

If you encounter a cougar, WildSafeBC says to make yourself look large, maintain eye contact, speak loudly and back away slowly, and to never run away or turn your back on the animal.