VANCOUVER -- Mounties and conservation officers are warning the public about a cougar seen wandering near a popular Metro Vancouver hiking spot.
The animal was seen near the Coquitlam Crunch around 11:30 a.m. Friday, according to RCMP.
Police say they received multiple calls about a cougar seen crossing the trail near Panorama Road and Eagle Mountain Drive.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has been notified, and bylaw officers from the City of Coquitlam have put up signs in the area.
An off-leash dog belonging to a hiker was injured by the cougar, according to a Facebook post from conservation.
"The cougar swiped at the dog and then chased it in the direction of people before leaving the area," the post says. "The dog received stitches and is otherwise fine."
The cougar was seen in the same area where a black bear swiped at a jogger's leg in August.
Video of that incident captured by another hiker showed a black bear walking up to a young woman who remained still. The bear then swiped at her leg with its paw. The bear then took a few steps back before approaching the woman again. She ran away a few seconds later.
The Coquitlam Crunch trail remains open, but people in the area are asked to be vigilant and report any sightings of the cougar to conservation at 877-952-7277.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Angela Jung
