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A cougar was tranquillized by conservation officers just blocks from the B.C. Legislature on Monday morning.
A group of Victoria Police officers swarmed several blocks of James Bay this morning searching for a large cat that was quick on its feet and elusive.
As the cougar darted from one yard to the next, neighbours popped out hoping to catch a glimpse.
Police locked down schools in the area just in case.
For hours a group of police and conservation officers chased the large cat from house to house with the media and curious residents not far behind.
At the back of a building near Michigan Street, officers finally cornered the animal and shot a tranquilizer dart, but the effects take a few minutes to kick in and the cougar jumps one fence and then another.
When officers find it they shoot a second tranquilizer and move the large cat into a canister.
A cougar was spotted several days ago in Oak Bay and conservation officers say it’s probably the same one.
They say it is likely from the Highlands or Goldstream area.
It’s a rare sight in this neighbourhood, a cougar hasn’t been caught here since 1998, when one wandered through an open door at Scott Plastics.
RESOLVED – Cougar is now sleeping. Loaded up in a Conservation Officers Service truck. #JamesBayCougar
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) October 5, 2015
The cat captured today will be released some time today or tomorrow, somewhere between Shawnigan and Port Renfrew.
Agencies/Canadajournal
