A Saanich resident spotted a cougar in the early afternoon of Friday, Feb 28, prompting a warning by the Saanich Police Department.
Just past 1 p.m., the mountain lion was seen at Brookleigh boat launch, near Hamsterly Beach at the north end of Elk Lake. Saanich police responded within 10 minutes, but after a "lengthy" search around the lake, it wasn't spotted again and its direction of travel was unknown.
The BC Conservation Officer Service was notified and attended the scene, but the cougar was not located.
"Police are urging caution for anyone walking the north end of Elk/Beaver Lake and recommend owners bear this sighting in mind when walking their dogs," noted a news release from Saanich PD.
