Cougar attacks dog in Coquitlam prompting warning from conservation officers
Posted February 10, 2021 4:51 pm.
Last Updated February 10, 2021 4:52 pm.
COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) — Following another report of a cougar attacking a small dog, the Conservation Officer Service is calling on pet owners to keep their animals leashed.
A Coquitlam man is the latest to report the cougar attack after the wild cat grabbed one of his three small dogs, which were off-leash, outside his Nash Drive home Tuesday night.
After the owner chased the cougar that ran off with his dog it dropped his pet a short distance away and he was able to scare the cougar off.
“The dog is receiving veterinary treatment for bite wounds on its body but is expected to recover,” according to a COS Facebook post.
The incident took place near Scott Creek — a forested area home to wildlife.
This most recent attack is just one of multiple cougar sighting reports and pet confrontations in the Metro Vancouver area, specifically in Coquitlam, Port Moody and Anmore.
The Conservation Officer Service is advising the public to keep pets leashed after another report of a cougar attacking…
Posted by Conservation Officer Service on Wednesday, February 10, 2021
A cougar attacked a dog near Buntzen Lake Sunday, but officers didn’t pursue the cat because a person wasn’t hurt.
RELATED: No sign of cougar after weekend attack on dog at Buntzen Lake
“While the COS would like to stress there have been no reports of cougars acting aggressively towards people, it is important to take precautions when living in areas frequented by cougars,” the statement adds.
“Cougar sightings in greenbelt areas are common across the Lower Mainland. If you spot a cougar near your home, it is most likely passing through the neighbourhood and will move on. It is advised to bring children and pets inside.”
According to COS it is not unusual for cougars to target small dogs, or cats, as prey.
“Bringing pets indoors or keeping dogs leashed while outside can help prevent cougar conflicts. Avoid placing pet food or bird seed outside. This attracts prey species such as raccoons and squirrels, which may cause a cougar to hunt these animals near your home.”
This has prompted reminders from BCCOS to:
-Bring pets indoors
-Keep dogs leashed while outside
-Don't place pet food or bird seed outside
-If you think a cougar has been hanging out around your neighbourhood, is killing pets, etc., call the RAPP line. (1-877-952-7277)— Ria Renouf ???? (@riarenouf) February 10, 2021
If you suspect there is a cougar in your residential neighbourhood and is killing pets or displaying aggressive behaviour, call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line BCCOS at 1-877-952-7277.
For additional safety tips, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov.
