Cougar sightings near UVic campus

Updated Sunday, Sept 29, at 6 pm

A second possible cougar sighting has been reported near Parking Lot 1, on a path towards Cedar Hill Road. The sighting took place around 5 pm on Sunday, Sept. 29. Please be aware of your surroundings and use caution while using the trails or wooded areas.

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Sept. 28, 2024

A possible cougar sighting has been reported near Parking Lot 10 near Gordon Head Road around 8 pm on Saturday, Sept. 28. If you see a cougar anywhere on campus, please call Campus Security at 250-721-7599.

This is the time of year when occasional cougar sightings are reported on the UVic campus.

While cougars are generally shy and elusive animals and rarely attack humans, a hungry cougar may come into contact with people during its search for food, usually in the hours between dusk and dawn when cougars are most active.

If you encounter a cougar, it will likely run away; however, in the event of an encounter you should take the following steps:

• Never run or turn your back on a cougar.
• Always watch the cougar and know where it is.
• Give the cougar room to escape.
• Pick up nearby children and small household pets.
• Raise your arms to look bigger.
• Act aggressively, and if possible throw rocks or sticks at the cougar.