Cougar Sighting

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Cougar Sighting

There's been another cougar sighting, this time up in the townsite.  

Here is some information from the Ministry of the Environment website:

Safety Guide to Cougars

British Columbians are fortunate to share their province with cougars, one of the most mysterious and elusive of all creatures. The cougar's secretive habits and astounding predatory abilities - a cougar is capable of killing a 270 kg (600 lb) moose - have resulted in a wealth of misconceptions and irrational fears.
Actually, most British Columbians live all their lives without a glimpse of a cougar, much less a confrontation with one. Conflict between cougars and humans is extremely rare. In the past 100 years, a total of five people have been killed by cougar attacks in B.C. (in comparison, bees kill upwards of three Canadians every year). All but one of these fatal cougar attacks occurred on Vancouver Island. During the same period, there were 29 non-fatal attacks in British Columbia - 20 of which occurred on Vancouver Island. The vast majority of these attacks were on children under the age of 16.
Although a cougar attack is highly unlikely, it always pays to be prepared. Information and awareness are your best defenses.

About Cougars:

• The cougar, also called mountain lion or panther, is Canada's largest cat. Cougars have long tails which may be one-third of their total body length.
• An adult male cougar weighs between 63 and 90 kg (140-200 lbs), and a female cougar, between 40 and 50 kg (90-120 lbs). The biggest cougars are found in the interior and the Kootenays.
• The cougar's primary prey is deer. It will also feed on wild sheep, elk, rabbits, beaver, raccoons, grouse, and occasionally livestock.
• Cougars are most active at dusk and dawn. However, they will roam and hunt at any time of the day or night and in all seasons.
• During late spring and summer, one to two-year old cougars become independent of their mothers. While attempting to find a home range, these young cougars may roam widely in search of unoccupied territory. This is when cougars are most likely to conflict with humans.

Tracks:

• Cougars have four toes with three distinct lobes present at the base of the pad. Claws are retractable, so they usually do not leave imprints.
• Generally, cougars are solitary. If tracks show two or more cougars traveling together, it probably indicates a female with kittens.

When in Cougar Country:

Cougars primarily occupy the southern third of British Columbia. Most conflict with cougars occurs in rural communities, where people live in isolated settlements. People also encounter cougars while spending leisure time in cougar country.
Cougars are predators - the top of the food chain - and their actions are often unpredictable. We have little understanding about what might trigger an attack, but following these general guidelines will reduce the risk of cougar conflict and prepare you in the unlikely event of an attack.

Children:

Cougars seem to be attracted to children, possibly because their high-pitched voices, small size, and erratic movements make it difficult for cougars to identify them as human and not prey.

• Talk to children and teach them what to do if they encounter a cougar.
• Encourage children to play outdoors in groups, and supervise children playing outdoors.
• Consider getting a dog for your children as an early-warning system. A dog can see, smell, and hear a cougar sooner then we can. Although dogs offer little value as a deterrent to cougars, they may distract a cougar from attacking a human.
• Consider erecting a fence around play areas.
• Keep a radio playing.
• Make sure children are home before dusk and stay inside until after dawn.
• If there have been cougar sightings, escort children to the bus stop in the early morning. Clear shrubs away around the bus stop, making an area with a nine-metre (30 foot) radius. Have a light installed as a general safety precaution.

Your yard and home:

• Do not attract or feed wildlife, especially deer or raccoons. These are natural prey and may attract cougars.

Pets:

• Roaming pets are easy prey.
• Bring pets in at night. If they must be left out, confine them in a kennel with a secure top.
• Do not feed pets outside. This not only attracts young cougars but also many small animals, such as mice and raccoons, that cougars prey upon.
• Place domestic livestock in an enclosed shed or barn at night.

Hiking or working in cougar country:

• Hike in groups of two or more. Make enough noise to prevent surprising a cougar.
• Carry a sturdy walking stick to be used as a weapon if necessary.
• Keep children close-at-hand and under control.
• Watch for cougar tracks and signs. Cougars cover unconsumed portions of their kills with soil and leaf litter. Avoid these food caches.
• Cougar kittens are usually well-hidden. However, if you do stumble upon cougar kittens, do not approach or attempt to pick them up. Leave the area immediately, as a female will defend her young.

If you meet a cougar:

• Never approach a cougar. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable. Cougars feeding on a kill may be dangerous.
• Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
• Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
• Pick all children up 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.

If a cougar behaves aggressively:

• Arm yourself with a large stick, throw rocks, speak loudly and firmly. Convince the cougar that you are a threat not prey.
• If a cougar attacks, fight back! Many people have survived cougar attacks by fighting back with anything, including rocks, sticks, bare fists, and fishing poles.

Cougars are a vital part of our diverse wildlife. Seeing a cougar should be an exciting and rewarding experience, with both you and the cougar coming away unharmed. However, if you do experience a confrontation with a cougar or feel threatened by one, immediately inform the nearest office of the Conservation Officer service.

Whales visit

Recently, here have been several sightings of humpback whales in our inlet, right close to the shore.  

Up to four at once have been seen feeding, diving, and breaching, in the past few days.

Also nearby have been lots of different birds, seals, and sea lions.  

I guess there's good food out there to eat right now!

Visitors and locals have all been enjoying the show.  Great shot, Sue!

For more beautiful photography, check out Susan Felhouser Photography

Photo by Susan Felhouser

Recent Cougar Sighting

Scientists work on Whale Carcass at the Tahsis Boat Launch

On Thursday, a federal research vessel brought in a dead adult bull killer whale that was found 65 miles offshore, out past the continental shelf.  The captain believes this was an offshore killer whale, from a population of whales who live far offshore in the north east pacific and feed on sharks, distinct from the resident and transient killer whale populations.  

 

On Friday, two teams worked on the carcass.  First, a necropsy was performed, taking samples.  The scientists were unable to identify the cause of death on site, but they believe it had been dead for about 3 weeks.  The team from Cetacea removed the flesh from the bones and organized the skeleton.  Cetacea is a specialized company from Salt Spring Island that do all kinds of interesting projects, including skeleton exhibits for museums.  It's worth a look at their website, they do fascinating and beautiful work!  Once the skeleton is cleaned and prepared, it will become part of an exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum.   

 

 This was an interesting event that will help us learn more about these amazing creatures in our environment.  Remember that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans would like us to report any sightings of Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises).

photo by Mark T.

photo by Greg F.

A Visiting Colony

We have some loud guests occupying the docks and breakwaters down by Westview Marina and the Lodge at Tahsis Harbour... sea lions!  For 2 days now, they have been causing a ruckus with their constant barking, and posing for photographs. 

Photo by Jim Horvath

Photo by Jim Horvath

  

From Canadian Geographic:  Groups of sea lions have many names depending on where they are: on land they are a colony, in water they are called a raft, during breeding seasons they're referred to as a rookery and when several females are in one male's territory, they're called a harem.

Cougar Sighting Dec 1 2015

Reptile Day at CMESS

A huge thank you to Jennifer Lestage, the owner of CR Animal Parties who came out to CMESS to share her expertise and love of reptiles with our students and visitors!  All the animals made quite an impression on the kids.

Among the creatures were a corn snake, a milk snake, a ball python, an Argentine boa constrictor, a blue tongued skink, a couple of crested geckos, a western hog nosed snake, and a box turtle.  The younger children are familiar with Mango, the bearded dragon who lives in their classroom, but this was an excellent opportunity to see some of Mango's relatives!

Photo by Shannon F.

Jennifer Lestage

 

Cougar Attack in Tahsis

From:  CTV Vancouver Island Published Monday, September 21, 2015 5:03PM PDT

"A young cougar has been destroyed after pouncing on a two-year-old girl in her own backyard in a remote community on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

The attack happened at around 12:30 p.m. Monday at a property in the town of Tahsis, B.C., according to the BC Conservation Officer Service.

“Our understanding is that the child was just outside in her yard with her parents in close proximity, and the cougar just attacked her there,” said Sgt. Ben York.

The father immediately jumped in to pull the cougar off his daughter, and beat the animal back with his bare hands, he said.

The child was rushed to hospital and treated for some scratches and teeth marks, but was otherwise miraculously unharmed and released from care shortly after.

“I think it in large part had to do with her parents being so close and her dad being willing to have a good, strong right hook,” York said.

The first conservation officer to respond found a cougar near the scene and destroyed the animal.
Police also attended, and trained hounds were used to sniff out any other cougars in the area.

York said it appeared to be a young cat that could possibly still belong to a family, or was just dispersing from its family unit.

He said it’s not unusual to see cougars or bears in Tahsis, but there haven’t been any recent reports of animal attacks".

BC dad slugs cougar that attacked 2 year old daughter

http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/b-c-dad-slugs-cougar-that-attacked-two-year-old-daughter-1.2574512

1st Day of School

School's in!  Welcome to all newcomers and returning students and staff at Captain Meares Elementary Secondary School!

The Principal

Some of the kids arriving early

Happy Faces!

Mrs. S has her hands full in the K-3 room

Mrs. S. spotting this baby who wants to come to Kindy too, peeking in her classroom window!

 

Maybe next year says Mumma Bear.  Pic by Jean Sanderson 

 There seem to be a lot of bear sightings right now in town so make sure you are giving the mom and cubs lots of room and not attracting them with garbage!  We are so lucky to live in a place where we can see these beautiful creatures, but we don't want to get them into trouble! 

A Whale of a Time at Sunday Brunch

While we were enjoying our Eggs Benny down at Tahsis Time Grill on this perfect Sunday afternoon, a humpback whale made an appearance and gave us a show in the inlet!  Apparently he's been hanging around all morning! 

photo courtesy of Tia Russell

photo courtesy of Tia Russell

 

New Tahsis Business

One of the great things about living and working in this part of the world is the view.  Our rugged, wild coast, our forests and waterfalls, mountains and rivers, and always the horizon of the ocean, which seems to be beautiful in a different way every time you look at it.  If you are patient, you can see all kinds of animals and birds in amongst the scenery.

Tahsis artist Susan Felhouser has started a new business based on her excellent ability to capture all these things with her photography.  Her friends have been enjoying her photos for years, and now she's sharing her skills in an online business.  Check out her website:  Susan Felhouser Photography       

Another Cougar Shot

Last night another cougar attacked a small dog and killed it in the town site.  Conservation officers were able to come in right away and track it, and the cougar was shot.  It's sad to lose a dog or cat in this violent way and i hope this is the last incident, after several house cats have been killed and now this one dog was killed also.   

Another Cougar

There's been another cougar attempting to attack a man and his dog in broad daylight this morning, after killing a deer in the trailer park.  An onlooker chased it away by driving her truck towards it.  The conservation officer and the dogs were in again but no luck tracking and killing it yet.  Please be careful out there! 

Cougar Update

After several more sightings were reported, and one altercation with a man and his dog out towards the dump, conservation officers came into town and shot a cougar.  They reported that the cougar was old and emaciated.  

We don't know if that was the only one causing worries in our village, so we still have to take care to follow cougar safety rules, but it's a relief that our concerns were heard.  A conservation officer told my husband last week that the cougar sightings have to be phoned in immediately so that there's enough time to get the tracking dogs up here and not lose the scent.  

The number to report wildlife incidents is:  1 877- 952-7277

Here are the ways to minimize cougar risks posted by the village:   
 
1. Cougars are most active before dusk and after dawn. Try to keep your children and animals at home before dusk and indoors until after dawn. However, they will roam and hunt at any time of the day or night and in all seasons.

2. If you see a cougar, stay calm and keep the cougar in view. Pick up children immediately – children frighten easily, the noise and movements they make could provoke an attack. Back away slowly, ensuring that the animal has a clear avenue of escape. Have yourself look as large as possible. Keep the cougar in front of you at all times.

3. Never run or turn your back on a cougar. Sudden movement may provoke an attack.

4. If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively. Maintain eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noise. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons. Crouch down as little as possible when bending down to pick up things off the ground.

5. Roaming pets are easy prey for cougars, keep them leashed or behind a fence.

6. Bring your pet in at night.

7. Don’t feed the pet outside. The pet food might attract young cougars or small animals such as squirrels or raccoons which cougars prey upon.

8. During late spring and summer, one to two-year old cougars become independent of their mothers. While attempting to find a home range, these young cougars may roam widely in search of unoccupied territory. This is when cougars are most likely to conflict with humans.

Suzy the Dog

So this is one year old Suzy, recovered from her run in with a cougar 2 weeks ago.  She's got an odd haircut and a scar on her head, but other than that, she's doing fine!  She's got a new collar too, since the cougar ripped off her other one during the attack.  It's amazing she's ok!  Still no word from Conservation about whether or not they've captured the cougar.

 

Another Cougar Sighting

There's been another cougar sighting tonight, this time on Alpine View, across from Tahsis Springs Condos, walking towards Jewitt Drive, possibly with a cat in its mouth.

Here is some information on what to do if you encounter a cougar, taken from the Village of Tahsis website:

1. Cougars are most active before dusk and after dawn. Try to keep your children and animals at home before dusk and indoors until after dawn. However, they will roam and hunt at any time of the day or night and in all seasons.

2. If you see a cougar, stay calm and keep the cougar in view. Pick up children immediately – children frighten easily, the noise and movements they make could provoke an attack. Back away slowly, ensuring that the animal has a clear avenue of escape. Have yourself look as large as possible. Keep the cougar in front of you at all times.

3. Never run or turn your back on a cougar. Sudden movement may provoke an attack.

4. If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively. Maintain eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noise. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons. Crouch down as little as possible when bending down to pick up things off the ground.

5. Roaming pets are easy prey for cougars, keep them leashed or behind a fence.

6. Bring your pet in at night.

7. Don’t feed the pet outside. The pet food might attract young cougars or small animals such as squirrels or raccoons which cougars prey upon.

8. During late spring and summer, one to two-year old cougars become independent of their mothers. While attempting to find a home range, these young cougars may roam widely in search of unoccupied territory. This is when cougars are most likely to conflict with humans.

Warning: Cougar Attack

This afternoon, around 1:30 pm, in the field near the stone Tahsis sign, Ken and Sherry's dog Susy was attacked by an orange cougar that darted out from the bush.  It tried to drag Susy away, but gave up and ran back into the trees when Ken ran towards it.  

Susy's thick leather collar was torn right off and she has some shallow puncture wounds on her scalp and belly and some damage to her ear, but on the phone the vet said she'd probably be ok after having antibiotics.

This was taken on a previous walk, Sherry and her 2 dogs.
Susy is the (smaller) border collie, not the lab.  

When something like this happens, the best thing to do is call the RCMP.  The Gold River RCMP number is (250) 283-2227, or of course call 911 if someone is injured.  The RCMP would contact the Conservation Officer, or the public can report to the Conservation Officer by calling:  Dial Toll Free 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) to report wildlife-human interactions where public safety is at risk.  

In this instance, it sounds like the Conservation Officer is coming in with trained dogs to track the animal.  A cougar jumping out near 2 adults (and 2 dogs) in the middle of the day in town might be indicative of it being sick or injured, and definitely dangerous.    

The word got out to the public incredibly fast via facebook, and a few phone calls.  The Village office was notified and posters will go up to let people know to keep an eye on kids and pets.

A local vet that comes to Gold River (typically 2 Thursdays per month) is Dr. Dave MacDonald, and you can make an appointment through Lori Toohey at 250 283-2508 or if it's an emergency, call 250-339-2511.