Lynn Valley residents may want to keep a close eye on small children and brave pets after several residents spotted a roving cougar.

Several residents reported seeing a mature cougar around homes on the western side of Lynn Creek near Westover Road and Platt Crescent. The animal was likely in search of a meal and a mate, according to conservation officer Clayton DeBruin.

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The melting snowpack tends to bring cougars farther down the mountain to chase their prey while mating season often compels the animals to cover more territory, according to DeBruin.

It’s likely the cougars “live amongst us all the time, and yet people just don’t realize that they’re around until they become more active during the mating season,” DeBruin said.

If you catch sight of a cougar in your backyard, DeBruin recommended locking doors and windows and also closing blinds – particularly if you own a dog that’s prone to prolonged barking.

When barked at, “cats generally want to stick around,” DeBruin said. If the barking is loud and aggressive, the cougar can become territorial.

The sight of the cougar is also a good reminder to secure any aromatic organics or garbage that might attract a small critter that could in turn draw a larger predator like a cougar or a bear, DeBruin said.

Introducing more lighting and removing unnecessary vegetation can also make a yard less attractive for a cougar seeking cover, DeBruin said.

The conservation officer also recommended using a noise deterrent to run unwanted animals out of your yard. While cougars and bears are generally desensitized to the sounds of people and traffic, an airhorn can often get them scampering.

In a confrontation, the province’s report on human-wildlife contact recommends making yourself look as large as possible and avoiding sudden moves or turning your back. If the cougar lunges, the report advises attacking the cougar’s face and eyes to convince the animal “you are a threat, not prey.”