B.C. Man Fights Off Cougar with Punch to the Face Near Smithers

A northern B.C. man is recovering from minor injuries after a close encounter with a cougar that ended with him punching the animal in the face to scare it off.

According to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, the incident took place around 11 a.m. on Saturday near Lake Kathlyn, just outside Smithers, about 670 kilometres northwest of Vancouver.

The man was working outdoors when a cougar approached and swiped at his upper body. In response, he struck the animal in the face, prompting it to retreat.

Officials say the man did not require hospitalization and his injuries were not life-threatening. Conservation officers responded by setting a live trap and patrolling the area but were unable to locate the cougar. They continue to monitor the site in case further action is needed.

Cougar-related incidents are rare but not unheard of in B.C. WildSafeBC says the province receives about 2,500 cougar-related calls each year. Though attacks on humans are infrequent, the organization urges people to stay calm, avoid running, and make themselves appear large if they encounter a cougar. In the event of an attack, the advice is clear: always fight back and never play dead.