Authorities have closed a well-loved hiking trail on Vancouver Island due to the presence of an “aggressive cougar,” raising concerns for public safety. The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) announced the closure of the Ammonite Falls Regional Trail, effective immediately, to protect hikers from potential danger.
The trail closure affects the section between the Creekside trailhead and the Ammonite Falls viewpoint, located within Benson Creek Falls Regional Park, situated northwest of Nanaimo. This closure will remain in effect until further notice, as authorities continue to monitor the situation. The announcement was made via a public bulletin on Monday, after trail closure signs were posted the same day. This followed an initial warning issued by the RDN two days earlier, when signs were placed at area trailheads.
The closure comes after reports that the cougar, first observed on January 1st, exhibited aggressive behavior on the trail. According to the RDN, subsequent sightings suggest that the cougar is actively guarding its kill in the vicinity, making it even more dangerous to approach the area.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has been notified of the cougar’s presence and is actively monitoring the situation. The regional district also emphasized that while cougars are part of the natural wildlife on Vancouver Island, they pose a significant risk to hikers and other trail users when displaying territorial or aggressive behavior.
In light of the cougar’s presence, the RDN is urging the public to take necessary precautions when venturing into areas known for wildlife encounters. These precautions include traveling in groups, keeping pets on a leash, and carrying bear spray for personal protection. The district stressed that safety should be the top priority, and visitors should avoid the affected area until it is deemed safe to return.
This trail closure adds to a growing list of cougar sightings and incidents in the region, with other reports of rare cougar sightings in urban areas, and attacks in nearby parks and communities. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any further cougar sightings to the local authorities.
For the latest updates on the trail closure and other safety alerts, the public is advised to visit the Regional District of Nanaimo’s official website or contact local authorities directly.
