WildSafeBC suggests anyone put in the same position should ‘always fight back’
A worker in British Columbia recently survived a cougar attack by fighting back, according to a provincial government organization.
The incident occurred on Sunday, according to the Conservation Officer Service (COS).
At approximately 11 a.m., the man was working in the Lake Kathlyn area when a cougar approached him and swiped at his upper body.
The worker “punched the cougar in the face and it disengaged,” he told the government agency.
The worker sustained non-life-threatening injuries that did not require medical treatment in hospital.
“COs responded to the area but no cougar was seen. A live trap was deployed in the area. COs attended the area again this morning with hounds, but no cougar was located,” said the provincial government body. “The COS is continuing to monitor cougar activity in the area and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety.”
The COS also thanked the
CO also thanked the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for their assistance in the incident.
Locals can report cougar conflicts and aggressive behaviour to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.
Meanwhile, anyone who encounters a cougar should "keep calm and "never run." WildSafeBC told CBC.
Instead, you should "make yourself look as large as possible and back away slowly, keeping the cougar in view and allowing a clear exit" for the animal, WildSafeBC says, according to the report.
If you are attacked, the group says "always fight back and never play dead."
