Cougar sightings are on the rise in the Cariboo Chilcotin.
Sgt. Len Butler with the Conservation Office Service says they are receiving a number of complaints every week.
“Our black bear complaints have slowed down a bit but our cougar complaints seem to be holding their own. So getting a lot of sightings around the entire area for cougars at this point in time which generally are following the deer and also preying on any of the wayward domestic cats and dogs that are maybe wondering outside of their areas.”
Butler says they have already euthanized 4 to 5 cougars this year which when compared to the number of euthanizations last year are about the same.
“The deer populations are up or maybe some of the smaller animals that they prey on are doing well so the cougars are going to do well,” he says.
“We somewhat expected it with the heat.”
Individuals are encouraged to contact the RAPP line toll-Free at 1-877-952-7277 to report wildlife-human interactions where public safety is at risk.