The serene trails of Squamish, long celebrated as a mountain biking paradise, became the site of a rare wildlife encounter that has left the outdoor community shaken. Last week, a cougar attacked a mountain biker on one of the area’s popular routes, raising questions about wildlife management and trail safety in British Columbia’s rapidly expanding outdoor recreation zones.
“I never thought I’d see something like this happen here,” says Martin Chen, a local trail association volunteer who has ridden Squamish’s network for over a decade. “We’ve always known we share these forests with wildlife, but an actual attack changes how you think about your weekend rides.”
The incident occurred on the Meadow of the Grizzly trail, where the mountain biker—whose name has not been released at their request—encountered the cougar during a late afternoon ride. Conservation officers confirmed the attack was unprovoked, with the rider sustaining non-life-threatening injuries to their arm and shoulder while successfully deterring the animal.
B.C. Conservation Officer Service responded immediately, closing several connecting trails while conducting a search for the animal. “This is precisely why we ask recreationists to travel in groups and carry bear spray in cougar country,” explained Conservation Officer Theresa Lang. “This rider did everything right – they made themselves appear larger, spoke loudly, and fought back when necessary.”
Wildlife encounters in the Sea-to-Sky corridor have increased as outdoor recreation booms across southwestern British Columbia. Provincial data shows a 34% rise in reported cougar sightings over the past three years, though attacks remain exceptionally rare. Experts attribute this partly to habitat pressure as development pushes further into previously isolated wilderness areas.
The District of Squamish has worked with biological consultants to develop wildlife corridor protection, but balancing outdoor tourism with conservation presents ongoing challenges. Councilor Armand Fletcher noted that “Squamish’s identity and economy are increasingly tied to outdoor recreation, which means we have a responsibility to manage these spaces with both human safety and wildlife protection in mind.”
Local mountain biking groups have responded by organizing trail safety workshops for the coming weekends. The sessions will cover wildlife encounter protocols and emphasize the importance of carrying deterrents like bear spray. “We don’t want people to stop riding,” says Melanie Woods of the Squamish Mountain Bike Association. “But we do want everyone to ride prepared and aware.”
Conservation officers successfully located and euthanized a cougar they believe was responsible for the attack, based on tracking evidence and proximity to the incident site. DNA testing is underway to confirm this was the same animal involved in the encounter.
For Squamish residents, the incident highlights the complex relationship between outdoor recreation and wildlife management. The town’s population has grown by nearly 14% since 2016, according to Statistics Canada, with many newcomers drawn by the outdoor lifestyle.
“I moved here specifically for the trails,” says new resident Jana Petersen, who relocated from Vancouver last year. “But I’m realizing there’s more to being an outdoor enthusiast than just having the right gear and skills. You need to understand you’re entering wild spaces with their own rules.”
The Ministry of Environment has promised a review of signage and public education materials for high-use trails throughout the region. Wildlife biologist Dr. Sonya Patel suggests this incident, while unfortunate, provides an important opportunity for education.
“When we build trails into cougar habitat, we’re creating interfaces that require knowledge and respect,” Dr. Patel explains. “This isn’t about fear, but about recognition that we’re visitors in these spaces, and preparation is essential.”
Trail systems remain open with additional warning signs posted at trailheads. Conservation officers recommend riding in groups, making noise on the trails, and carrying deterrent spray as standard practice, especially during dawn and dusk hours when cougars are most active.
As Squamish continues its evolution from logging town to outdoor recreation hub, incidents like this underscore the challenges of sustainable growth in communities situated at the wilderness edge. For now, mountain bikers are rallying around their injured community member while taking the opportunity to reflect on what it means to share the forests with their wild inhabitants.
