Wildlife Alert: Deer carcass found at Brennan Park suggests cougar in the area

November 20, 2022

Signage has been posted around the Brennan Park Recreation Centre and fields to warn residents of a cougar in the area. District of Squamish staff received a report of a deer carcass on the Brennan Park fields this morning near the Aquatic Centre entrance. The condition of the large carcass, and signs of it being dragged a distance suggest that of a cougar kill.

A deer herd has been observed in the area and it is likely that the cougar may be following the herd, according to the Conservation Officer Service.

The local soccer associations have been informed and will be helping to fan out this information.

How to stay safe

Wildlife can and should be anticipated whenever you are out on the trails and adjacent to natural areas in Squamish. 

Follow these best practices:

• Be alert and aware at all times.
• Avoid surprise encounters by making noise -- i.e. use your voice.
• Hike or bike in groups of two or more and keep children close at hand.
• Keep dogs leashed.
• Look for signs of fresh cougar activity -- i.e. claw marks on trees or logs, scat or paw prints.
• Avoid food caches: cougars will cover unconsumed portions of their kill with twigs, leaf litter or soil. If you come across a cache, leave the area immediately.
• Slow down going around blind corners and make noise. Riding or running quickly and quietly puts you at risk for surprise encounters.
• If you encounter cougar kittens, do not approach or attempt to pick them up. Leave the area immediately, females will defend their young.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

If you encounter a cougar

• Never approach a cougar.
• Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
• Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
• Pick up children off the ground immediately. Children frighten easily and their rapid movements may provoke an attack.
• Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
• Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
• Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don't crouch down or try to hide. Pick up sticks or branches and wave them about.

Please report all wildlife sightings and/or encounters to the Conservation Officer Service 24-hour hotline at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP).

Learn more: squamish.ca/cougar-awareness

November 20, 2022