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File ID 29753551 | © Lynn Bystrom | Dreamstime.com
File ID 29753551 | © Lynn Bystrom | Dreamstime.com
By Justin Dionne

Fish and Wildlife provide cougar safety tips after sighting

Mar 6, 2019 | 11:21 AM

Fish and Wildlife have provided some safety information following last week’s cougar sighting at the Wapiti Nordic Ski Club.

A cougar and two cubs were reportedly spotted walking across one of the trails. The animals had no interaction with the people who spotted them, and the ski club says so far, no other skiers have come across the cats.

Regional Problem Wildlife Specialist Mike Trepanier says there’s a number of things to keep in mind if you come across a cougar.

“Be big, in other words, stand tall. Don’t turn your back – that’s an important one, never turn your back – never run, and if you’ve got small children or pets, make sure pets are on a leash and that small children are close to you.”

Trepanier explains cougar encounters are rare as they are normally shy of humans, and typically leave the area once they know people are nearby. He says if you encounter a cougar that appears to have not noticed you, gather children and pets, then slowly back out of the area. If a cougar sees you and appears hostile, make yourself look big and speak loudly, and if the cougar makes contact, use all means at your disposal to fight back.

Other cougar safety tips include:

  • In order to help prevent cougars from coming to your neighbourhood, never feed any kind of wildlife. Feeding or leaving fallen bird seed or salt licks that attract wildlife such as deer to your property will, in turn, attract cougars and other predators.
  • Avoid attracting small animals to your yard.
  • Keep your garbage in a container with a tightly fitting lid.
  • Keep the perimeter around your house clear of thick or tall vegetation. This will help ensure that cougars, other predators and prey species will not see your home as a safe place to stop to rest or search for food.
  • Close off open spaces under decks or patios with durable wire mesh. This will prevent cougars, and other wildlife, from using that space for shelter.
  • Install motion-activated security lights. These may help frighten away curious cougars.
  • Encourage your family and neighbours to take the same preventative measures on their property.
  • If a cougar returns to your neighbourhood, it is because it has learned that food or shelter can be easily attained there.
  • When in cougar territory, carry bear spray and be prepared to use it to defend yourself if a cougar approaches within 12 metres. Keep children close. Always walk your dog on a leash.

Anyone who encounters wildlife that might be a public safety concern is asked to contact the 24-hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.

by Justin Dionne