Regional park reopens after cougar investigation

A regional park in the Central Okanagan that was shut down last month due to cougar activity, has been reopened to visitors.

Goats Peak Regional Park in West Kelowna was given clearance to open again after an investigation by the BC Conservation Officer Service.

“No recent cougar activity was identified during the latest check through the 63-hectare park by the Conservation Officer Service and the park is allowed to open,” a news release from the Regional District of Central Okanagan stated.

For safety reasons, the park located off Highway 97 south was closed Tuesday, Feb. 28 as conservation officers followed up on a recent report of a cougar sighting.

“All visitors to Regional Parks are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings when travelling in our large, natural park areas. With more than 2,100 hectares of parkland, it’s not unusual to see wildlife. Please give any wild animals plenty of room and observe from a distance,” RDCO added.

Park users are reminded that dogs must be on leash and remain on designated trails to protect wildlife and the park environment.

As well, any aggressive or threatening wildlife behavior should be called into the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) Conservation Officer hotline – 1-877-952-7277.