When Connie Frandsen heard about a cougar roaming around neighbourhood she was alarmed.
The Maple Ridge resident who lives on Stoney Avenue, where the large cat was spotted on home security cameras, was alarmed when she saw people posting about the wild animal online
"I heard it was on my street on the weekend, so I was like, freaking," said Frandsen, who has a small dog, and is a bit more reluctant to take it on walks.
One person posted a video of the cat walking behind cars in the driveway at a home on Stoney Avenue, between River Road and 117 Avenue sometime overnight from April 7-8.
Another person posted a photo of the cat on their back deck on 126 Avenue on April 10.
The provincial Ministry of Environment and Parks, which oversees the Conservation Officer Service, confirmed they received a report about a cougar in the area on those dates.
Conservation Officer Service is always monitoring the situation, but they are not actively trying to trap the cougar, said ministry spokesperson David Karn.
However, if the cougar's behaviour changes, then the Conservation Officer Service will take appropriate action, said Karn.
The province does have information available online, guidelines in the event of a wildlife encounter.
For cougars the advice is to remain calm, keep the cougar in view, and pick up children immediately. Then, back away slowly, making sure the animal has a clear avenue of escape.
"Make yourself look as large as possible and keep the cougar in front of you at all times. Never run or turn your back on a cougar, sudden movement may provoke an attack," the province advised. "If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively, maintain eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noise. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons."
And, if a cougar attacks, fight back, focusing on the animal's face and eyes, using anything as a weapon.
For more safety information about safety around wildlife go to: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/human-wildlife-conflict/staying-safe-around-wildlife.
