Cougar grabbed terrier in the driveway
Re: “What to do when face-to-face with a cougar,” March 20.
An anecdotal and probably unique story might help those with a similar situation achieve a happy outcome.
Walking our mature Jack Russell terrier Hector on a 22-foot Flexi lead (always) down our 300-foot drive, I was surprised to hear a quiet yelp behind me and there was a year-old cougar of perhaps 120 pounds, with Hector in his mouth.
Experience led me to yell, wave my arms and pull on Hector’s lead. The cougar let go (inexperienced hunter?) and ran into the trees. Hector seemed unhurt, and we continued down to fetch our Times Colonist from its box.
Further surprise on walking back up the drive: The cougar had returned and was lying in the attack position waiting for us. Another demonstration of how loud I can yell and how big I can make myself, and the cougar again retreated.
The two lacerations, one on either side of Hector’s chest, received excellent veterinary care — clipping, cleansing, healing and two weeks of antibiotics have returned Hector to full health. He and I still walk down for the paper every day — but I carry a big stick.
I believe every encounter with a cougar deserves a firm, aggressive response. A stick can increase our profile, but I believe it should not be used, risking injury to the cougar or our party, unless there is no other recourse. David Wooldridge Shawnigan Lake