British Columbia

Mountain biker swatted by cougar near popular trail on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast

Two trails in Roberts Creek have been closed following a cougar attack on the weekend. A woman was chased and then swatted at by the big cat, suffering minor injuries in the attack.

The woman was treated in hospital after a cougar swatted at her while on a popular Roberts Creek trail

A gravel and dirt trail surrounded by the woods. A sign warns of cougars in the area.
A woman was chased and attacked by a cougar along a trail near Roberts Creek. Conservation officers continue to monitor the area and are warning the public. (B.C. Conservation Officer Service)

A woman is recovering after being attacked by a cougar while mountain biking on a popular trail in Roberts Creek, B.C., over the weekend.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says the big cat chased the woman then "lunged and swatted'' at her near the B&K logging road, a popular biking destination.

It says a group of nearby trail builders arrived moments later and chased the cougar off.

The woman suffered minor injuries and was treated in hospital after the encounter on Sunday afternoon.

The service says two trails near the attack have been closed, and the public should stay away from the B&K trail network.

It says conservation officers did a sweep of the area and set up trail cameras on Sunday but didn't spot the cougar.