Over the past week, Powell River RCMP received six calls for assistance with wild animals, according to an October 3 media release. Police would like to remind residents that the presence of wild animals in town and on trails in the qathet region increases at this time of year and encourage all community members to review safety tips in case of an encounter with a wild animal.
According to the release, anyone who encounters a black bear should: Give the bear a clear escape route, do not corner it; leave doors open if the bear is inside; make yourself as big as possible by waving your arms and back away slowly; make lots of noise to try and scare the bear away.
If a cougar is encountered: Keep calm and never run; if travelling with small children or animals, pick them up immediately; make yourself look as large as possible by waving your arms and shout loudly; back away slowly, keeping the cougar in view and allowing a clear exit for it; if attacked, fight back, never play dead.
Anyone with information about any crime is asked to contact Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) or online at bccrimestoppers.com.
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