Last Updated: August 22, 2024

Wildlife Safety

At the SFU Burnaby campus, we learn, work, and live among wildlife. Burnaby Mountain is home to black bears, raccoons, deer, owls, cayotes, and cougars (among others) where sightings are common.

Report wildlife sightings and incidents to Campus Public Safety (CPS) at 778-782-4500.

How to prevent wildlife encounters

  • Do not feed wildlife such as birds (crows, owls, pigeons, etc.), raccoons, and bears. It's against the law and creates unsafe conditions for wild animals and people.
  • Do not encourage them to stick around. Dispose of garbage and food properly in designated bins. Keep recycling and trash bins closed.
    • For Residence and Housing: Tightly secure used garbage bags before disposing to prevent wildlife accessing its contents.
  • Make noise when you are on forested campus trails as this alerts wildlife of your presence and avoid you. Keep dogs leashed, if any. 
  • Distance yourself from wildlife. Never approach wildlife for any reason and give it as much space as possible. 
  • Do not take photos or videos. 
  • Keep doors closed after using them when entering or exiting buildings to prevent raccoons, most especially, from entering enclosed spaces.

What to do if you encounter a wild animal

  • Remain calm. Slowly back away and never turn your back from the wild animal.
  • Do not run or climb a tree. Do not scream.
  • If you are with other people, stay together and act as a group. Pick-up and carry small children and pets, if any.
  • Go indoors. If you have a pet, take them with with you.
  • Report wildlife sightings and incidents to CPS at 778.782.4500.

Follow the safety guides specific to each animal and know what to do if you are attacked:

Bears

If you encounter a bear:

  • Stop where you are and stay calm.
  • Avoid and give them as much space as possible.
  • Avoid direct eye contact and never turn your back away from the bear and observe their behaviour to decide on your next move.
  • If the bear becomes agitated, makes noises, or seems aggressive - continue backing away and talking soflty. Do not run away.
  • Never approach to take photos or videos.
  • Remain calm and slowly back away.
  • Report wildlife sightings and incidents to CPS at 778-782-4500. 

In the event of an attack:

Raccoons

  • Raccoons are not friendly or safe to approach. They may scratch or chase you if they feel threatened.
  • Never approach for photos and videos.
  • Do not feed them or encourage them to stick around.
  • Dispose of food and garbage properly in designated bins. If it has a cover, securely close it after use.
  • Close doors after you use them when entering buildings and enclosed spaces to keep them out from these areas.

In the event of an attack:

  • If you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon, wash the wound with lots of soap and water. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to control bleeding, if any.
  • Immediately see your doctor or visit the emergency room. Contact CPS after at 778-782-4500 to report the incident or request for urgent assistance on campus.  

Deer

  • Deer may suddenly appear on roadways.
  • Drive with caution around Burnaby Mountain.
  • Do not pull over to block traffic to take photos or videos.
  • Do not approach for any reason.

Deer will usually avoid and not attack humans. However, aggressive behaviour may occur among bucks (male deer) in certain situations during mating season, usually in fall. Do your best to avoid them.  

Cougars (also known as mountain lion or puma)

Cougar encounters are complex and extremely dangeous. However, cougar sightings on Burnaby Mountain are rare. Prey such as deer and raccoons, or other small animals may cause them to linger in areas where these animals are.

  • Stay calm and keep the cougar in view.
    • Do not panic. Maintaining eye contact helps you keep track of the cougar's movements and prevents it from sneaking up on you.     
  • Pick up children and small pets, if any.
    • Sudden movements and noises from children and small animals can attract the cougar's attention and trigger a chase response.
  • Make yourself look large.
    • Spread out your jacket, raise your arms, or use any available gear to appear bigger and more intimidating.
  • Never run or turn your back.
    • Running may trigger the cougar's instinct to chase. Always face the animal and back away slowly.
  • If the cougar appears interested or starts following you, act aggressively. 
    • Yell loudly, make yourself look as intimidating as possible, and use any available objects to enhance your presence.
  • Report wildlife sightings and incidents to CPS at 778-782-4500. 

In the event of an attack:

Owls

  • Some owls can become aggressive, especially during nesting season (mid-March to late May).
  • When possible, avoid wearing a hat, flowing hair, ponytails, gray headphones, and fur hoods when walking along forested trails on campus as these can appear prey to owls.
  • If you have an umbrella, use it to protect your head and run away from the area/ their territory as fast as possible.
  • If there are signs posted, consider taking alternate routes.  

In the event of an attack:

  • Understand where their aggression is coming from and run away from their territory as fast as possible.
  • Never harm or hurt the owl even if you get injured from an attack as birds are protected by B.C. laws which can cause you a hefty fine and other punishments.
  • Report wildlife sightings and incidents to CPS at 778-782-4500.