A attainable cougar sighting has been reported in Whitehorse’s McIntyre neighbourhood, in keeping with a Fb publish revealed on the Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s official web page on the afternoon of Oct. 12.
An replace revealed the next morning signifies that the animal was sighted close to the First Nation’s Home of Studying.
A spokesperson with the Yukon’s Atmosphere division advised the Information that conservation officers are conscious of the attainable sighting and “they’re taking the report critically.” She added that the report is taken into account “unconfirmed.”
“With that stated, there have been these confirmed sightings up to now […] however these confirmed sightings are very uncommon,” the spokesperson stated, including that the territorial authorities’s web site lists cougars as a species discovered within the territory.
“It’s frequent to obtain suspected cougar sightings yearly. Most of those are usually not in a position to be verified, or, you recognize, in some circumstances, it’s a lynx or case of mistaken identification.”
The Yukon authorities’s web site notes that the almost certainly locations to identify a cougar are within the southern Yukon, close to the border with British Columbia or close to the Braeburn elk herd. The cougar inhabitants estimate for the territory is listed as “not decided.”
The division of Atmosphere spokesperson stated the general public is inspired to report suspected cougar sightings to conservation officers instantly.
“Please name us instantly as quickly as you suppose you’ve seen a cougar, as a result of that means, we are able to reply instantly and attempt to get a few of that confirmed proof into our pockets,” the spokesperson stated.
Cougar sightings could be reported by telephone at 1-800-661-0525 or on-line.
The Yukon authorities web site reminds Yukoners that in the event that they encounter a cougar, they need to keep calm, keep away from sudden actions and again away slowly whereas preserving eyes on the animal. Carrying bear spray whereas outdoor can be beneficial.
“Make your self look as giant as attainable, and simply be sure to’re preserving that cougar in entrance of you — don’t flip your again. And you recognize, as we might do with bears, simply maintain your bear spray prepared,” the spokesperson stated.
READ MORE: Bear sightings throughout Yukon immediate requires warning
Contact Matthew Bossons at matthew.bossons
