A recent cougar attack on livestock in Sooke is renewing calls for farmers and rural residents to help prevent conflicts with wildlife before they happen.<\/p>\n
The Wild Wise Society said it was notified this week<\/a> of an incident involving a cougar preying on livestock in the Sooke area, describing such attacks as one of the most common forms of human-cougar conflict in British Columbia.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile we extend our condolences to those who have experienced livestock losses, it is important to remember a few key points,\u201d the organization said in a social media post.<\/p>\n \u201cCougars are opportunistic predators and do not distinguish between \u2018natural\u2019 and \u2018non-natural\u2019 prey. If an easy food source is available, they are likely to take advantage of it.\u201d<\/p>\n The group says livestock owners can help reduce the risk of attacks by securing animals and eliminating opportunities for predators.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is ultimately our responsibility to protect and manage the domestic animals in our care,\u201d the post states.<\/p>\n The Ministry of Environment, speaking on behalf of the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), confirmed it is aware of the Sooke incident.<\/p>\n \u201cCo-existence with wildlife can be challenging in agricultural communities. While losing sheep is frustrating, predators are part of the natural environment,\u201d the ministry said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s important for farmers to take steps to protect their animals from wildlife.\u201d<\/p>\n The province points livestock owners to the Livestock Protection Program<\/a>, operated through the British Columbia Cattlemen\u2019s Association, which provides resources to help reduce predation.<\/p>\n