By Ian Holmes

Cougar sightings up in Nanaimo, but Conservation not concerned

Sep 13, 2016 | 2:59 PM

NANAIMO — Several cougar sightings lately in the Nanaimo area have led to public advisories.

Conservation officer Sgt. Ben York says none of the reported sightings have involved the big cats showing predatory behaviour, meaning their officers aren’t concerned and are leaving them alone.

Warnings have been issued for recent cougar sightings at Buttertubs Marsh Park and the Witchcraft Lake Trailhead parking lot leading up to Mt. Benson.

“Cougars are coming into town and staying around town because there’s lots of natural prey, we have a lot of deer in and around town, lots of raccoons and other small mammals, that’s why they’re here,” says York.

York says a few regularly seen cougars in Nanaimo tend to stick to specific areas, citing the Buttertubs Marsh, Linley Valley and most recently Colliery Dam Park as places where cougars seem to be habituated.

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He says while cougars are curious about humans, attacks on people are extremely rare.