A cougar sighting at the University of Victoria on Thursday night prompted the university to issue a warning to trail users.
The university said a cougar was seen in Mystic Vale, a 11.6-acre wooded area adjacent to student residences, at 8:45 p.m. Thursday
“This is the time of year when occasional cougar sightings are reported on the UVic campus,” the university said in a notice late Thursday.
UVic said that while cougars are generally “shy and elusive animals” that rarely attack humans, hungry cougars may come into contact while searching for food, particularly during the hours of dusk and dawn.
The university says a cougar will likely run away after coming into contact with a human.
But in the event of a cougar encounter, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service advises keeping the animal in front of you at all times. Do not run or turn your back.
If a cougar shows interest or begins following you, respond with aggression and maintain eye contact. Increase your profile by raising your hands, the service says.
Anyone who spots a cougar anywhere on campus is asked to call campus security at 250-721-7599.
Cougar sightings can also be reported to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).
