ticks, bears, cougars and other wildlife
How to avoid and handle wildlife and ticks on local trails.
Ticks, black bears and cougars all live around Vancouver. Check yourself for ticks after hiking, make noise on the trail, keep dogs leashed and children close, and never feed wildlife.
ticks
Ticks are found in grassy and forested areas, especially in spring and early summer. Wear long pants, check skin and pets afterwards, and remove a tick with tweezers by grasping it close to the skin and pulling steadily. HealthLinkBC has guidance on Lyme disease and when to see a doctor.
bears
See the bear safety guide.
cougars
Encounters are rare. Keep children close. If you see a cougar, face it, make yourself look large, back away slowly and do not run. Fight back if attacked.
report
Report aggressive wildlife to the BC Conservation Officer Service.
sources
- HealthLinkBC: ticks (checked October 24, 2026)
- WildSafeBC (checked October 24, 2026)
- BC Conservation Officer Service (checked October 24, 2026)
Hike Vancouver. "Ticks, bears, cougars and other wildlife." Updated October 24, 2026. https://hikevancouver.ca/guides/ticks-and-wildlife/
