Big Cats and Bears, Oh My! 🐻 Sighted in BC!

The Tea is Spilled: Wild Animals on the Loose!

Yo, what is UP with BC lately? It's like a whole zoo out here. First off, there's been mad cougar sightings. Like, enough that B.C. Parks had to shut down a trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park. That's kinda sus, tbh. Apparently, these cats are super adaptable and just be roaming wherever they want.

And for all you living in Southern BC? Like Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the sticks? Lock your doors, there's approximately 5,100 and 7,000 cougars in the area and they're hungry AF. So, word on the street is that they're into deer, moose, and elk. But still keep your pets on a leash!

But wait, there's more! Saanich Police are saying there's been "multiple" black bear sightings near Elk Lake, especially around Santa Clara Avenue and Piedmont Drive. These bears are out here living their best life, raiding garbage cans like it's a buffet. They aren't trying to start beef, just looking for snacks. Which, mood.

The cops are saying don't approach the bears, stay calm, and back away slowly. No sudden moves, ya feel? And keep the kiddos and pets close. Also, a cougar was spotted near Doncaster Elementary School, so parents, keep an eye out when you're picking up your little humans.

Stay Safe Out There, Bestie!

So, how do you not become a snack? Here's the 411:

• **For Cougars:** Make some noise when you're hiking, keep your dog on a leash (no flexis!), hike in groups, carry bear spray, and DO NOT RUN if you see one. They're probably more scared of you than you are of them.
• **For Bears:** Stay calm, don't run, back away slowly, keep your kids and pets close, and give them an escape route. Also, secure your garbage, compost, pet food, and bird feeders. Basically, don't be giving them a reason to come around.

If you see a cougar or bear acting sus (like, attacking someone, stalking pets, or looking sick/injured/aggressive), call the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277. Stay safe out there, fam!