Cougar sightings are becoming more frequent across the region and around Alberta.
That comes from Athabasca District Fish and Wildlife Officer Adam Jalbert and there isn’t any real reason behind it.
“In Alberta, cougar sightings have been confirmed across the province, although they are most common in the mountain and foothill regions,” said Jalbert.
“In recent years, sightings in the prairie, parkland and boreal regions have become more frequent.”
There was recently an adult male cougar was shot and killed by a local licensed hunter near Rochester. A few months ago, there was also a report of a cougar near Baptiste Lake, but it was unfounded.
“Any person who is the owner or occupant of privately owned land, may at any time of the year, hunt – but not trap – cougars on such lands without a licence. Cougars killed under this authority, must be delivered to a Fish and Wildlife office within one week for registration,” he added.
Jalbert also spoke of some general guidelines to avoid conflict with the big cats, including not feeding deer and attracting wildlife onto your property as much as possible.
He added that pets and children should be supervised at all times when outside and keep them away from heavily wooded areas as well as play time should be limited to daytime hours.
“If you encounter a cougar, gather close and back away slowly. Do not run. If the cougar continues to come closer, shout at it and make yourself look larger by opening your jacket,” stated Jalbert.
“If carrying a backpack, drop it. It may distract the animal. Finally, if the cougar does attack, fight back. Use bear spray and hit and kick the animal however you can, aiming for the eyes and face. Never play dead.”
If you see a cougar near any residential areas, or anywhere else that concerns you, contact the Athabasca Fish and Wildlife office at 780-675-8176 or call the Report-A-Poacher toll free line at 1-800-642-3800.
