Cougar sightings in Port Coquitlam raise concern about safety of small pets

At least two cougar sightings have been reported in Port Coquitlam, raising concern about the safety of pets, including off-leash dogs.

On Friday (Aug. 13) Port Coquitlam reported a cougar sighting in the area of Wellington Park on its Facebook page.

The information was also posted to the Wildlife Alert Reporting Program used to keep the public up-to-date with wildlife encounter data.

A second sighting was reported on the app on Sunday (Aug. 15), 

And the city of Port Coquitlam is reminding residents to be cautious, especially with small pets.

Pets left out of doors, especially at night are easy prey for a passing cougar.

Port Coquitlam’s Wellington Park is on the north side of the city, off of Lincoln Avenue near Oxford St street.

“We have received reports of a cougar sighting near Wellington Park this afternoon,” the city stated on Facebook. 

The public is encouraged to report sightings of cougars, bears and other wildlife to the BC Conservation Officer at 1-877-952-7277.

In the meantime, PoCo residents should stay alert, keep children close, and dogs leashed.  

For more information, visit wildsafebc.com/cougar

In March, there were several reports of cougars in Port Moody, including reports of attacks on dogs. Three cougars were eventually euthanized by conservation officers.