Trail Map & Status

Personal safety

• Be alert when walking, hiking, biking or working outdoors, particularly during dawn, dusk and nighttime hours.
• Avoid wearing headphones at high volume when travelling through areas with limited visibility.
• Keep campsites clean and free of food attractants. Store food, garbage, and scented items securely.
• Travel in groups whenever possible.

If you encounter a cougar:

• Remain calm and do not run.
• Maintain eye contact and face the animal.
• Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or opening your jacket.
• Speak firmly and back away slowly.
• If the cougar approaches, be prepared to defend yourself using sticks, rocks or other available objects.
• Report the sighting to local authorities if the animal displays bold or concerning behaviour.

Pets and domestic animals

• Keep dogs on a leash and under control at all times.
• Avoid walking dogs during dawn, dusk or after dark when cougar activity is more common.
• Do not allow pets to roam freely outdoors, especially overnight.
• Pick up small pets when moving through areas with dense vegetation or limited sightlines.
• Be particularly cautious if a leashed dog becomes agitated, fixated or reluctant to proceed, as animals may detect wildlife before people do.

Reporting wildlife

Most cougar sightings are simply observations of a naturally occurring predator moving through its habitat. However, sightings involving a cougar that:

• shows no fear of people;
• follows people or pets;
• lingers around homes or occupied areas; or
• displays aggressive behaviour

should be reported to local conservation or wildlife authorities immediately.

By remaining aware and taking simple precautions, we can help ensure the safety of people, pets and wildlife while minimizing unnecessary conflicts.

Please notify Patrol/Dispatch of any sightings at 250.578.5521.

To report potentially dangerous or aggressive wildlife in B.C., call the RAPP hotline at 1.877.952.7277. This 24/7 service connects you directly to the BC Conservation Officer Service to report incidents that may threaten public safety.