Photo: ThinkStock

UPDATE: 3:07 p.m.

According to conservation officer Mike Stern, the cougar sighting was unconfirmed. RCMP attended and it was gone on arrival.

The complainant did not actually see the cougar, but heard noises.

The COS will monitor any further calls.

Cougars come into city limits for urban wildlife, (deer) and domestic livestock.

In some cases, young juveniles have also been displaced.

Young cougars stay with their mother for up to two years at which time she forces them away to fend for themselves. Many urban incidents occur with young cougars that have not yet learned how to hunt effectively or older animals that can no longer hunt in the wilds.

In regards to unconfirmed reports of a bobcat in the city, Stern said there no confirmed report of a bobcat to the Conservation Officer Service.

Bobcats usually are spotted all year, he said. They are attracted to chicken coops and small animals and generally are not a public safety risk.

 Penticton RCMP responded to a reported cougar sighting along Lakeshore Drive, near Power Street, Monday night.

They were unable to find any signs of the animal, said Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth.

The Conservation Officer Service warned last week that cougars have been spotted near downtown.

Conservation officer Dave Cox said a report was received Nov. 19  of a sighting in the regional park near Penticton Yacht Club. An hour-long search turned up nothing.

Signs were posted in the area warning users of the sighting as a precaution.

There were additional sightings, with the cat being chased up a tree by a dog.

Residents have been urged to take steps to ensure their safety and the cougar's, including keeping pets on a leash at all times, keeping house cats inside and finding alternative plans for children walking to and from school.

For more information and what to do if you encounter a cougar, visit www.wildsafebc.com.

The public is encouraged to report sightings or conflicts to the RAPP line in as timely a manner as possible at 1-877-952-7277.