Cougar Attack Update !!

UCLUELET, BC, August 30, 2011 – An 18-month-old child is being treated for injuries sustained from a cougar attack that took place at approximately 6:00 pm on Monday, August 29 in the Kennedy Lake day use area in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.  Family members were able to intervene and stop the attack and seek medical assistance. The condition of the child cannot be confirmed at this time. 

A wolf and cougar advisory has been in effect in the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, including the Kennedy Lake day use area, since August 13th due to a recent increase in carnivore activity in the area. Parks Canada staff are working with provincial conservation officers to track the cougar and take appropriate measures to ensure it no longer poses a public safety risk. 

The Kennedy Lake day use area is closed to the public at this time. All other areas of the national park reserve remain open. 

Parks Canada leads extensive prevention programs, awareness campaigns and research to minimize the risk of visitor encounters with bears, wolves and cougars. Parks Canada would like to remind the public of the following safety tips for visiting wilderness that is shared by cougars:
• Keeps dogs on a leash at all times
• Never approach a cougar
• If approached by a cougar, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact and create as much noise as possible. Wave arms to appear larger. Pick children up.
• Carry pepper spray and an airhorn and use these items if approached by a cougar. 

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Information:
Arlene Armstrong
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Parks Canada
250-726-7165 ext. 234