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In light of the recent cougar attack on a woman in the Fraser Valley, here are some safety tips should you find yourself face-to-face with one of the big cats.

If you encounter a cougar

• Stay calm and keep it in view.

• Pick up children immediately. Children frighten easily and their noise and movements could provoke an attack.

• Back away slowly, ensuring that the animal has a clear avenue of escape

• Make yourself look as large as possible and keep the cougar in front of you at all times.

• Never run or turn your back on a cougar.

• Know that sudden movement may provoke an attack.

• If a cougar shows interest or follows you: Respond aggressively, keep eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noises. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons.

• If a cougar attacks, fight back — convince the cougar you are a threat and not prey.

• Use anything you can as a weapon.

• Focus your attack on the cougar’s face and eyes.

• Use rocks, sticks, bear spray or personal belongings as weapons.

When in the backcountry

• Keep pets leashed or leave them at home.

• Always keep children in sight. Cougars can be attracted to children due to their small size and the noise they make. Never let your children wander.

• Make noise as you move to avoid surprise encounters with cougars (and bears).

• Be extra vigilant in strong wind or near loud water.

• You can carry a walking stick as a weapon.

• Watch for cougar tracks and signs (scratched trees, scat, food caches — unconsumed prey covered with vegetation). If you encounter food caches or fresh tracks, leave the area immediately.

• If hiking, travel in a group. Cougars are less likely to attack groups of people. Avoid hiking alone.

• Keep a clean camp. Reduce odors that may attract small mammals like racoons, which in turn attract cougars.

• Store meat, other foods, pet food and garbage in double plastic bags to avoid attracting potential prey species.

• Carry bear spray.

Contact the COS Call Centre 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) if a cougar poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety.

Source: Province of B.C.