Cougar
Last Review/Updated: July 16, 2007
Preventing human-cougar encounters
Cougars are elusive masters of camouflage and typically avoid contact with people. They feed mostly on deer but will also hunt elk, moose, sheep, and other small mammals.
Cougar sightings and encounters are rare. Encounters between cougars and livestock, pets, and people are more likely where human populations have increased in rural areas. However, a cougar will usually notice your presence and leave before you even realize it is there.
If you live in a rural community or near wooded areas, take special precautions to prevent encounters and know what to do if you encounter a cougar.
- Encourage children to play in supervised groups away from dense vegetation and ensure they come inside before dusk.
- Walk your pet during the day. Dogs and cats are easy prey for many predators. Pets are vulnerable to many hazards if you let them roam freely.
Be alert and aware of your surroundings when hiking in cougar or bear country. To avoid encounters with cougars, take the following steps:
- Learn to recognize signs of their presence such as tracks, scats, and markings;
- Be aware of flocks of ravens or magpies which may indicate a kill site where either cougars or bears could be found feeding; and,
- Travel in groups near wooded areas, make noise to alert cougars of your presence, and consider carrying a walking stick and pepper spray.
If you encounter a cougar
- Face the cougar, avoid eye contact, slowly back away, and don’t run ;
- Always watch the cougar, know where it is and leave space for it to escape;
- Pick up children and small pets;
- Stay calm, talk to the cougar in a firm voice;
- Act aggressively; raise your arms to make yourself look bigger;
- If the cougar comes closer to you, throw rocks or sticks in the direction of the animal;
- If you come in contact with the animal, fight back! Don’t play dead. Use anything at hand to defend yourself.
Further Information
http://srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife/livingwith/huntingalberta/cougar.aspx
