Local Community Advertising
(UPDATE: Jan. 24 @ 2:10 pm) - There's been no new reports of cougar sightings since a frightening incident along the Mission Creek Greenway last weekend.
A cougar lunged at a man who was walking his dog along the popular trail around 6:30 pm on Sunday, Jan. 16.
Bruce Smith of the Regional District of Central Okanagan confirmed to KelownaNow that there has not been any new sightings in the last week and said it's business as usual for those wanting to take a walk along the Greenway.
"We always encourage visitors to our larger, natural-area regional parks to be aware of their surroundings, travel in a group if possible, keep dogs on leash and on trails and that they may encounter wildlife at any time," he said.
"If they do, steer clear giving animals plenty of room."
(Original story: Jan. 18 @ 6:40 am) - Conservation officers are warning residents about a recent incident involving a cougar on one of Kelowna’s most popular walking trails.
According to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), the frightening meeting between a local resident walking his dog and a cougar happened around 6:30 pm Sunday.
Unfortunately, the BCCOS did not identify what section of the lengthy Greenway this incident happened along, but KelownaNow has reached out to try and obtain that information.
“The man was walking his leashed, large-breed dog at Mission Creek Regional Park when he noticed a cougar following them,” a post from the BCCOS explained.
“The cougar then lunged and attempted to attack the dog, but was scared off. There were no injuries.”
Conservation officers learned of the incident when the man reported it on Monday morning and have since spoken with parks staff from the Regional District of Central Okanagan.
Both parties are closely monitoring the situation and signage has been placed along the Greenway to warn Kelowna residents who frequent the area.
“While roaming pets are prey for cougars, aggressive behaviour towards a leashed dog is uncommon and concerning,” added the BCCOS post.
The public is asked to report any aggressive cougar behaviour to the RAPP line by calling 1-877-952-7277.
For cougar safety tips from the BCCOS, click this link.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of 123rf.
Local Community Advertising