Smithers, B.C. (Richa Walia): A man in British Columbia’s northern Interior is recovering from minor injuries after a dramatic encounter with a cougar that he says ended when he punched the animal in the face.
According to a statement from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, the incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Saturday near Lake Kathlyn, close to Smithers, approximately 1,000 kilometres northwest of Vancouver.
The man, who was working in the area at the time, reported that the cougar suddenly approached and struck him in the upper body. Acting quickly, he punched the wild cat in the face, causing it to retreat.
Fortunately, the man’s injuries were not serious, and he did not require hospitalization.
In response to the incident, conservation officers deployed a live trap and conducted a sweep of the area, but the cougar was not found. Authorities say they are continuing to monitor the region and are prepared to take further action if needed.
The Conservation Officer Service also reminded the public to remain vigilant in cougar-prone areas and to report any sightings or encounters.
