A report of a possible cougar sighting near Semiahmoo Trail Elementary brought police and conservation officers to the quiet South Surrey neighbourhood Monday evening. What they found, however, was something far less unique.

Const. Richard Wright confirmed police were contacted about 鈥渆ither a cougar or a large domestic cat鈥� in the area of the 3040 145A St. school on Aug. 26.

The school is surrounded by nature on three sides, including an urban forest to the east.

An area resident emailed Peace Arch News early Tuesday to report that a cat that was 鈥渕aybe 150 lbs鈥� had walked down the road in front of her neighbours on Monday.

Wright said an officer who patrolled the wooded area 鈥渓ocated a large domestic cat that could be seen to be a cougar from a distance.鈥�

Wright said police always take such reports seriously, 鈥渄ue to the potential threat to pets and small children.鈥�

He emphasized that Monday鈥檚 鈥榯hreat鈥� was deemed unfounded.

鈥淚t is our firm belief in this case that the animal observed was the large domestic cat.鈥�

The weight description, Wright added, was 鈥渁n exaggeration.鈥�

Reports of dangerous wildlife in an urban area should be made to the B.C. government鈥檚 24-hour RAPP tipline at 1-877-952-RAPP.

Like us on and follow us on .