Residents in Sidney were on high alert after a juvenile cougar was seen wandering through local neighborhoods, prompting both concern for safety and the animal itself. The young female cougar was safely captured and relocated on Thursday, May 22, following multiple sightings in the area.
The first report came from Jodie Siverns, who spotted the cub from her kitchen window at 4:45 p.m. in a cul-de-sac on Grover Crescent near Roberts Bay.
“I was standing in my kitchen eating a snack when I saw a huge cat walking by,” Siverns said. She immediately worried about her neighbors and took swift action to warn anyone who might have been outside.
“I grabbed my pets and headed inside right away,” she added. “Earlier in the day, someone mentioned a cougar had been seen in the area, but I didn’t think it would come so close to homes.”
Earlier that morning, another sighting had been reported at Summerset Place. A resident captured video of the cougar walking through their yard around 5 a.m., which was later shared on social media.
Siverns also noticed her neighbor’s son walking up the street and shouted for him to get inside. The boy’s father, Rob Clark, explained that his son had just returned from delivering the Peninsula News Review paper when the cougar appeared nearby.
“He had just walked in the door, and immediately after, a cougar walked behind him,” Clark said. Thanks to Siverns’ timely warning, the boy stayed safe.
Clark mentioned that his son had been planning to go to the backyard for karate practice, which added to the urgency of the warning.
After the call, Clark contacted local authorities through the non-emergency number. By the time the police arrived, he had already reached home. He described seeing the cougar resting peacefully beside a treehouse in their backyard.
Wildlife officials responded quickly to ensure the safety of both residents and the cougar. The young feline was safely captured and relocated to a suitable natural habitat away from residential areas.
Authorities stressed that encounters with cougars, especially juveniles, can happen near homes when food sources or safe cover draw them closer. They advised residents to remain vigilant, secure pets, and report sightings immediately.
Local residents expressed a mix of relief and fascination after the incident. Many were concerned not only for their safety but also for the well-being of the cougar, noting its calm behavior in their yards.
“This was a reminder of how close humans and wildlife live together in some areas,” Siverns said. “We have to be careful, but also remember these animals are not looking for trouble—they just want to survive.”
Experts note that juvenile cougars often roam farther from their mothers as they explore territory and learn to hunt. While encounters can be alarming, most young cougars avoid human contact and move on when given space.
Officials encourage the community to follow basic safety measures: keep pets indoors, supervise children outdoors, avoid approaching wildlife, and report sightings immediately to local authorities.
The successful relocation of the cougar highlights the importance of swift action and community awareness. Residents’ vigilance, coupled with rapid wildlife response, ensured that no one was harmed, and the animal was returned safely to its natural environment.
This incident serves as a reminder that even in residential areas, interactions with wildlife can occur. Awareness, caution, and respect for nature help protect both people and animals alike.
