‘Bright green eyes shining:’ cougar suspected in multiple Parksville livestock deaths

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

The Truffle Farm is located on Parksville’s northern edge, near Morningstar Golf Club. (Image Credit: Virginia Brietzke)

earth day goals

'We decided to do our part:' Nanaimo elementary students planting thousands of trees

10m ago

repeat attacks

'Bright green eyes shining:' cougar suspected in multiple Parksville livestock deaths

3h ago

cleanup

Shoreline cleanup advocates push for awareness & change

10h ago

It was the start of a very long weekend for Brietzke and surrounding residents.

During Saturday night or Sunday morning, another sheep was taken on a neighbouring property, Brietzke said, then an emu at a nearby farm is believed to have been killed overnight Monday, April 20, into Tuesday morning.

Brietzke and her family have barely slept in the last few nights, spending all last night watching over their animals, which include 10 remaining sheep, over 100 chickens, four dogs, and a litter of puppies.

They’ve also ensured lights have been turned on and music is playing in a bid to deter the animal from approaching again.

“Along the fence line, we could see these bright green eyes shining. My husband opened the gate to the pen and walked right up to the fence line, it’s about two to three feet from the green eyes of cougars, and it wasn’t moving. He shook the fence, and the cougar took off.”

Brietzke is concerned about how comfortable the animal appears with humans.

A golf course, multiple businesses, and an elementary school are all in the neighbourhood.

In a statement to NanaimoNewsNOW, the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) noted they’ve received reports of cougar attacks in the area and no evidence suggests aggressive behaviour toward humans.

“All reported incidents have occurred during nighttime hours, which is consistent with typical cougar predation behaviour,” the statement reads. “Cougars may prey on livestock that is left unsecured overnight. Livestock owners are strongly encouraged to secure animals in enclosed structures such as barns or outbuildings during nighttime hours.”

The BCCOS statement notes officers “will continue to monitor cougar activity in the Parksville area and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety and the protection of property.”

Any wildlife conflicts can be reported using the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

It’s believed the cougar is using tree lines around the property to hunt, with eyes spotted over the weekend from an animal. (Image Credit: Virginia Brietzke)

Follow us on Facebook. Join Everything Nanaimo on Facebook and stay connected with everything happening on central Vancouver Island.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook