CONSERVATION CORNER
Submitted by Sgt. Greg Kruger

 

Cougar sighting in Invermere

On Wednesday, March 10, a cougar was spotted crossing a road in the Castlerock community in the early morning hours. The large cat cautiously snuck across the pavement, moving from forested area to forested area. This would not be considered unusual behaviour or a public safety concern as this terrain has always been prime cougar habitat. The Conservation Officer Service (CO’s) and Invermere Bylaw Services have been monitoring, and no further reports of cougar sightings have been reported since. Cougar activity in and around all Columbia Valley communities has been minimal throughout the winter. However, it is important for those living near green spaces or out for a walk in the forest to remain vigilant to the fact that cougars are part of this ecosystem. It is important to keep pets under care and control while in the forest and to keep them indoors, especially at night. Should you encounter a cougar, remain calm and do not run away. Make yourself look large and intimidating by waving your arms and speaking in a loud firm voice. Carry a walking stick and/or bear spray should you need to defend against a cougar. If a cougar attacks, then fight back using rocks, sticks or whatever your must to protect yourself.

Invasive Aquatic Species Alert

Earlier this month, the BC Aquatic Invasive Species Program was alerted that “Moss Balls” imported into North America and sold at various pet stores were found to contain Zebra Mussels. Moss Balls are a species of green algae typically used for home aquariums to filter and improve water quality. It has since been confirmed that some Moss Balls within B.C. have the highly invasive Zebra Mussels in them. These mussels pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, fish populations, hydropower stations and other infrastructure. They multiply rapidly and are extremely difficult to eradicate once they become established in a water system. CO’s throughout the Province have visited all the stores that may stock this product and have garnered cooperation from the pet industry to cease sales and remove this product until all contaminated algae are dealt with. Through internet sales, Moss Balls infested with invasive mussels have also been shipped to buyers. On March 10, a concerned resident of Invermere contacted the CO’s RAPP Line to report that she was made aware of the invasive mussel threat through Social Media, and may have Moss Balls with the Zebra Mussels that she ordered through Amazon in her tank. She voluntarily turned over this product to CO’s who have sent them out for Lab testing to see if mussels are present. It is imperative that anyone who has acquired Moss Balls recently contacts the CO RAPP to be inspected. Should these invasive mussels establish within our aquatic environment, it would have devastating impacts both locally and provincially.  

Bears ready to come out of hibernation

We made it through another winter here in the gorgeous Columbia Valley; with some longing for more snow, and others ready for the warm sun to thaw the ground to plant the spring garden. With the onset of warmer days, those critters in their long underground winter slumber are also starting to feel the heat radiate through. This means the bears will again soon be active in our valley, so time to get reengaged in thinking Bear Aware. Any food sources accessible to them will be fair game, so be mindful of that bird seed that still may be in the feeder, and of course, household garbage needs to be securely stored inside or in a bear resistant container.  

It is a blessing that we live in an area with such an abundance of wildlife, but let’s make sure to do our part by keeping ourselves and these wild animals safe.  

For reporting wildlife safety concerns or environmental violations, call the B.C. CO’s at: 1-877-952-7277