In what is becoming a common occurrence, a resident alerted police Monday night after spotting what they believed was a cougar walking down the middle of the street.

The caller reported seeing the animal around 7 p.m. near Holland Avenue and Hastings Road, a few blocks away from Strawberry Vale elementary school.

"Based on the description provided by the complainant officers attended the area but were unable to locate the animal," Const. Mike Millard said in a press release.

Conservation Officer Service was contacted, but did not attend.

In the past month, a cougar, or possibly different cougars, have been spotted in the areas of Prospect Lake, Rithet's Bog and Wilkinson Road jail.

Saanich police are advising residents to be aware of wildlife, and keep a close eye on children and small pets.

kslavin@saanichews.com