More cougars are roaming the region this year.

Sightings of the large wild cats have increased this year over last, according to Conservation Officers.

91裸聊视频淭his year seems to be slightly higher than others for sightings,91裸聊视频� said CO Tanner Beck. 91裸聊视频淚 wouldn91裸聊视频檛 say it91裸聊视频檚 a record year.91裸聊视频�

Wayne Andre recently spotted a large cat roaming near his home neighbouring BX Elementary school.

91裸聊视频淚t passes through my backyard and I91裸聊视频檝e seen the fresh tracks and only seen it on my game cam once at night,91裸聊视频� said Andre.

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Another possible cougar sighting took place on Upland Drive in Coldstream Sunday, March 17.

Spencer Lindskoog captured a photo of what is believed to be a cougar across the road in front of his house.

91裸聊视频淲ish I got a picture five seconds earlier,91裸聊视频� he posted on Facebook. 91裸聊视频淚 couldn91裸聊视频檛 believe my eyes.

While many are surprised to see these large cats roaming the neighbourhoods, it is not uncommon.

91裸聊视频淚 used to live on Scenic Drive as a kid and even 20 years ago we would have cougar sightings in that area every year,91裸聊视频� said Brittany Paulson.

Beck agrees.

91裸聊视频淚n all reality, there91裸聊视频檚 been cougars there lots,91裸聊视频� he said of not just this, but the many areas where cougars are spotted.

91裸聊视频淭his happens every single year, this time of year,91裸聊视频� said Beck.

Unfortunately, a number of unofficial reports of cougar sightings are being made via social media.

As an example, it was recently reported that a large cat was sleeping on the back deck of a BX resident. Yet, Beck said the closest report to that is that cougar tracks have been spotted on a deck.

91裸聊视频淲e don91裸聊视频檛 get the information,91裸聊视频� said Beck. 91裸聊视频淧eople are hearing things.91裸聊视频�

Those who have personally spotted a cougar are urged to report their sightings, versus second or third parties making the call.

Beck would also like to clarify the Conservation Office91裸聊视频檚 protocol on destroying cougars.

See:

91裸聊视频淲e don91裸聊视频檛 wait until they attack,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淲e base it on the behaviour of the cat. But we can91裸聊视频檛 go killing cougars just because they are here.91裸聊视频�

Behaviour that would warrant action includes any interest in people and if a cougar is spotting during the day time walking through a neighbourhood. The predatory killing of livestock and pets is also what COs look for.

Families are reminded to have cougar safety talks with their children and keep an eye on them in their yards. Kids who walk to the bus stop in semi-rural areas should do so in groups versus alone.

91裸聊视频淭hey91裸聊视频檙e always around so people should be doing (these things) all the time.91裸聊视频�

The good news is, with spring upon us, it is likely that the deer will be able to retreat to the hills for food. And the cougars will follow.

91裸聊视频淲hen their food disperses, then the cougars also disperse.91裸聊视频�

jennifer@vernonmorningstar.com
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