Cougar followed woman out for a run

West Shore

2022-11-18 19:15 PST

File # 2022-20051

On November 18th 2022, at approximately 5:40 p.m. the West Shore RCMP received a 911 call from a woman who advised she was in Latoria Creek Park in Colwood and was being followed by a cougar.

The woman was out for a run on the stairs in the park when she got to the bottom of the stairs she noticed the cougar several meters from her and immediately called 911. The 911 Call Taker directed the woman to stay calm, speak to the cougar in a gentle voice and to not turn her back on the cougar. The Call Taker directed her to walk backwards up the stairs and to the nearest home. The Call Taker stayed on the phone with the woman who was very upset and worried about the situation. The woman was wearing a head lamp which may have been what the cougar was attracted to given the darkness in the park. The cougar followed the woman up the stairs and left once she was near homes.

"The Call Taker did an amazing job and obtained necessary details of the woman’s’ whereabouts immediately dispatching officers to the area. The Call Taker then remained on the line with the woman keeping her calm and provided life-saving guidance and directing her to seek safe shelter. The woman gained safe shelter inside a residence near the 400 block of Pelican Dr in Colwood. We want to thank our partners in E-COMM 9-1-1 and the Call Taker for their swift guidance in getting this woman to safety as well as the homeowner who opened their door to someone in need, said Cpl. Nancy Saggar West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer.

Officers patrolled the area on foot however the Cougar was not located. BC Conservation Services and City of Colwood have also been advised. For safety tips on what to do if you come in contact with a cougar, please visit the government of BC cougar safety page.

Released by

Cpl. Nancy Saggar

Email: westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: westshore.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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