Update: As of Friday, Sept. 1, the affected trails are open again, according to the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
"'Cougar Alert' signage will remain in the area, as a reminder that wildlife may be active within their home range," the RMOW said in an update on its website. "Consider carrying bear spray when using the alpine trails, as it is an effective defensive tool for wildlife encounters."
Report all sightings of cougars to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
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Part of the trail system near Whistler's Alpine neighbourhood is closed following a cougar encounter, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
The RMOW said the incident happened at the intersection of the Flank and 19 Mile Creek trails, above Alpine.
"[The Conservation Officer Service] received a report a cougar hit the back tire of a mountain bike, knocking the rider from the bike, near the Flank and 19 Mile Creek trails intersection," the Facebook post said. "The cougar initially backed off when hazed, but continued to follow at a close distance for 10-15 minutes in a stalking position."
In the interest of public safety, part of the trail system near Alpine will be closed for the next seven days.
Closed trails include:
-Rainbow-Flank North
-19 Mile Creek
-Howler
-Rick's Roast
-Cat Scratch Fever
-Green Monster
-Skywalk South
-Jaws
"All other trails are open, however please proceed with caution," the RMOW said. "Consider carrying bear spray when using the alpine trails, as it is an effective defensive tool for wildlife encounters."
Find more details and a trail closure map at whistler.ca/WildlifeAlert.
Report all sightings of cougars to COS on: 1-877-952-7277
