Victoria police are warning the public to take caution after three unconfirmed cougar sightings along the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
The caution comes just under two weeks since a cougar mauled an 18-month-old boy further up the island's west coast.
Military police were called in to investigate two of the apparent sightings in Esquimalt, a municipality that borders Victoria, on early Thursday and Friday evening.
Victoria police were also called out later Friday after two friends heard rustling in a tree but couldn't get a clear view with the use of flashlights.
Officers weren't able to confirm any of the sightings.
Environment Ministry officials recommend people who spot a cougar keep calm, pick up children, never turn their back and to respond aggressively if the animal shows interest or follows.
