The Ammonite Falls Regional Trail, between the Creekside trailhead and the falls viewpoint within Benson Creek Falls Regional Park is closed until further notice due to the presence of an aggressive cougar, according to the RDN. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

cougar spotted

Part of Ammonite Falls Regional Trail closed due to “aggressive” cougar sighting

Jan 6, 2025 | 2:04 PM

NANAIMO — The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has announced a section of a popular hiking trail will be temporarily closed until further notice after an aggressive cougar was seen in the area.

The RDN said in a release on Monday a cougar “displaying aggressive behaviour” was seen on the Ammonite Falls Regional Trail on Wednesday, Jan. 1, and additional sightings reported the cougar guarding its kill in the area between the Creekside trailhead and the falls viewpoint.

Warnings were posted on the trail on Friday, Jan 3, with closure signs added on Monday, and the B.C. Conservation Officer Service is aware of the situation.

The RDN said in the release cougars are part of our natural environment and asks the public to take precautions while out in the wilderness in the event of wildlife encounters, including travelling in groups, leashing pets and carrying bear spray.

More tips can be found here at WildSafeBC.

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Multiple cougar sightings occurred in Nanaimo in the spring of 2023 as well as one seen along popular trails in Ladysmith in Aug. 2022.

A male cougar was trapped and relocated after being spotted in a tree near a Nanaimo daycare in the early morning hours of March 3, 2022.

Extensive upgrades to the area were completed in early 2022.

A detailed map of the closures to the Ammonite Falls Regional Trail due to an aggressive cougar recently spotted protecting it’s kill in the area. (RDN)

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