Wildlife sightings prompt safety warnings in Parksville and Yakima

Authorities in Parksville, Canada, and Yakima, United States, have issued public warnings following recent sightings of large predators.

In Parksville, residents have reported cougar sightings near Heath Avenue and bear sightings in the Parksville Industrial Park area. The municipality is advising locals to hike in groups, supervise pets, and remain aware of their surroundings. This follows a previous incident where a cougar killed livestock in the area. WildSafeBC recommends backing away slowly from bears and making oneself appear large if encountering a cougar.

In Yakima, the Police Department, in collaboration with the Washington State Fish and Wildlife department, is searching for a cougar reported in West Valley neighborhoods near Gilbert Park. Officials have utilized drones to assist in locating the animal, which has evaded capture. Residents are urged to use caution when letting pets outside and to report immediate dangers to emergency services.