Cougar spotted near Canadian home

PORT ALBERNI, British Columbia, July 20 (UPI) -- Canadian conservation officials are monitoring a cougar after a local woman reported that the animal had begun to move toward her family's property.

Nicole Shanks shared photos of the cougar which was seen roaming around near her in-laws home in Port Alberni.

"Came right up to the living room window!" Shanks wrote.

Conservation officer Steve Ackles told the CBC that they had received complaints about the animal, but that it had not posed a threat to residents.

"It's not displayed any threatening behavior," Ackles said. "And all the sightings have been in a wildlife corridor near a forested area."

Ackers also encouraged people to report any cougar sightings and offered tips to travel in groups and keep pets on leashes.

"If you encounter a cougar, never turn your back or run away...that's the most important thing," he said.