Conservation officers looked at tracks around cougar sighting areas in a residential neighbourhood in Mission Friday morning, but found them to be canine footprints.

"We've looked at a number of tracks and they're all pointing to canine, so they're likely coyote," said B.C. Conservation officer James Kelly said Friday.

None of the three visual sightings on the big cats made Thursday night and Friday morning were confirmed, but Kelly said officers were ready to follow up on any reports of cougar sightings as a precaution.

The RCMP sent out an advisory to Mission residents, particularly to those in the area between 10th and 12th avenues and around Dunsmuir Street, to keep their children and small pets under careful watch after receiving reports of possible cougars in the area.

The first report was at 5 p.m. on Thursday, after a young girl was apparently followed or chased by an animal through a green belt in the area of 12th Avenue and Weatherhead Court, said police.

Another report of a sighting came to the police at 10 p.m. Thursday, and another report came in at 8: 30 a.m. Friday of two cougars. Both those sightings were apparently in the Dunsmuir Street and 10th Avenue area.

Police searched each time but found no cougar.

However, a public safety warning to locals was still broadcast.

"If there's a possibility of a cougar in an area, that's what we do," said Kelly. He added it's not unusual to get more calls once there has been a warning issued.

If there are coyotes in the area, small dogs and cats are still vulnerable to attack so people are advised to keep pets inside, or keep a close eye on them if they are outside.

If people should happen encounter a big cat when out on a walk, they should raise their arms to make themselves look as big as possible and walk away slowly, advised Kelly.

"Talk to them quietly, like 'hey cougar,' to let them know that you are a human and back away slowly. Whatever you do, don't run," he said.

"The majority of the time, the wildlife is just as scared of you as you are of it. Sometimes they're curious and just want to stare at you for a few minutes."

Kelly said he and other conservation officers will continue to monitor local reports. If people have any reports or issues with bears, cougars, poachers and so on, they should call the conservation office toll free at 1-877-952-7277, or on a cell phone, #7277.

CToth @abbotsfordtimes.com