A rather large cat could be on the prowl on Six Nations and the surrounding areas, after several reported sightings of a large black animal that looked like a cougar.
Six Nations Police are warning people to be on the lookout for a black cougar, while nearby Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation is holding indoor recess for all school children and daycare kids in light of the sighting.
Police said they were made aware of the possible sighting around 6:45 p.m. Monday night when a person called in an animal complaint on Chiefswood Road near Second Line Road.
The caller told police the animal was in the driveway before running off into the bush and that it was black with a long tail.
Police warned local residents to be mindful of the safety of pets, children and livestock. Earlier, there was another cougar sighting reported in the village of Ohsweken.
Cougars, also known as mountain lions, are an endangered species in Ontario. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks says cougars are an endangered species and are very shy, normally avoiding humans.
Anyone who encounters a cougar should remain calm, the ministry says.
“If you see a cougar, stay calm, remain standing and make yourself look large by holding your arms above your head. You should immediately back away slowly and leave the area. If the animal is aggressive, throw objects at it. Never run.”
Six Nations Animal Control is investigating, along with the Ministry of Natural Resources.
