RCMP: Cougar sightings in Robson

By Castlegar Source

Castlegar police are reporting a relatively quiet holiday season, according to RCMP Sgt. Laurel Mathew.

“I think the heavy snowfall must have been a deterrent (to impaired drivers). We were pleasantly surprised not to see a lot of drinking and driving New Year's Eve,” she said. “Drunken disturbances were really the only issue.”

What may become more of an issue, however, are two cougar sightings around the Hazelwood area of Robson last week.

“They (the cougars) weren't attacking anyone or anything,” Mathew clarified. “They were just there. Apparently one was in a resident's back yard.”

She said often, residents will call kids and pets into the house, then just watch the animal as it makes its way off the property, but there are circumstances under which a 9-1-1 call is appropriate.

“Obviously, if there's something going on – any immediate threat – I'd call 9-1-1,” she said. “People don't need to worry that we're just going to go up and shoot anything that moves ...often (an animal like that) is just passing through.

“But if it seemed to be hunting in a particular area and sticking around, I would assume we'd band together with local conservation officers to move the cougar along, or deal with it however is necessary.”

Conservation officers for Castlegar can be reached at 250-365-8611.