A cougar
© DreamstimeA cougar
Cyclist was in the Alpine Capone area along Brohm Ridge Thursday evening when the cougar began to pursue him

A cougar that attacked a mountain biker near Squamish and Garibaldi Provincial Park Thursday evening has prompted the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) to issue a warning to the public to avoid the area.

COS says the man was cycling in the Alpine Capone area along Brohm Ridge at 6:30 p.m. when the cougar began to "pursue" him.

"The cougar made contact and continued to follow him down the trail for approximately 20 minutes. The man, who was walking backwards holding his bike, managed to throw rocks at the cougar, which disengaged," said a statement from COS.

The man received minor injuries.

The incident happened near the location where aggressive cougar activity led to trails being closed earlier this summer. COS says it is unable to confirm if the same animal is involved.

People are being asked to take precautions to avoid cougar encounters by staying in groups, making noise, keeping pets on a leash and carrying bear spray.