B.C. officials warn residents after cougar spotted in tree

This photo shows a cougar in a tree in Summerland, B.C., on March 22, 2026. (Credit: Heiko Ryll)

A cougar was spotted perched in a tree in a B.C. community over the weekend, prompting a warning from officials.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service was called to a residential area in Summerland on Sunday, the agency said in a social media post.

“Officers are monitoring the animal, which has shown no signs of aggression or conflict,” Tuesday’s post said.

“This behaviour is normal and defensive. It’s believed the cougar was chased up the tree by nearby dogs.”

Signs were posted in the area and people were being asked to steer clear so the animal could make its way back to the ground and “safely and naturally move on,” the BCCOS said.

Officials also shared safety tips for anyone who encounters a cougar, including to stay calm and back away slowly.

According to BCCOS statistics, the agency responded to 259 calls about cougars in 2025. Fourteen animals were euthanized, one was relocated and one was hazed. In the first two months of 2026, conservation officers attended 21 cougar calls, and two animals were euthanized.