Bear & Cougar Awareness

While wildlife encounters are not uncommon in Qualicum Beach, there are usually no problems if you know how to handle encounters.

If you see a bear or cougar posing a threat to the public, call the Conservation Office at 1.877.952.7277.

Things to remember when entering a wildlife area:

Stay on designated trails and respect area closures and restrictions
Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings
If you see wildlife beside the road, slow down, stay in your vehicle and move on
If you see bears or cougars on foot, stay at least 100 m (10 buses) away from them

Bear Awareness

If you suspect that there’s a bear in the area, make noise as you move so that you don’t surprise it – most bears will keep their distance. If you encounter a bear, do the following:

Do not run
Avoid direct eye contact
If the bear stands its ground, remain facing the bear and slowly back away while calmly talking so it knows you are human and not prey.

Bear Smart Guide

Bears and Household Garbage

Never store your garbage or recyclables outside, unless it is in an approved bear-resistant container or bear-resistant enclosure. Do not put garbage or recyclables curbside until the morning of pick-up.

Other things that attract bears include uncleaned barbeques, bird feeders, pet food and fruit on trees (or fallen on the ground), especially in months around the hibernation transition (end of spring/fall).

Cougar Awareness

A cougar standing on a rock in the forest.

Cougars are nocturnal and stealthy, so you are unlikely to see one. If you do see a cougar, do the following:

Do not run
Make yourself look as big as possible
Make a lot of noise to scare it away
Pick up small children and pets and slowly back away

To report cougar activity, please call the Conservation Officer Service at 1.877.952.7277.

Cougar safety

Question or Concern?

Bear & Cougar Awareness

Bear Awareness

Bears and Household Garbage

Cougar Awareness