Alberta Fish and Wildlife is warning Whitecourt and area residents of a cougar that has been spotted within the Town of Whitecourt.
Officials say wildlife sightings are fairly common in Whitecourt due to the community being surrounded by a forested area, however, experts say cougars tend to avoid built-up areas and are not usually seen in populated areas. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution while using the trail system or out in the forested area.
Residents who see a cougar are being asked to report it to Alberta Fish and Wildlife immediately by calling 1-800-642-3800.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife has also provided the following advice on preventing cougar interactions and what to do if a confrontation is unavoidable.
Prevent Cougars from visiting your property.
- 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. Urban deer that get food from unnatural sources such as your yard tend to become slower and more docile, making them easier prey for cougars. Cougars may be more likely to enter human-use areas if the deer there are easier to catch.
- 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.
Precautions to take in cougar territory.
- Carry bear spray. Be prepared to use it to defend yourself if a cougar approaches within 12 metres (equivalent to a bus length).
- Keep children close. Never let them play outside unsupervised, near forested areas or at dusk or dawn.
- Always walk your dog on a leash.
If you see a cougar in the distance.
- Do not run or turn your back.
- If the cougar appears to be unaware of your presence, gather children and pets in close, slowly and cautiously back away and leave the area.
If you see a cougar in your backyard.
- Ensure that all people and pets are brought inside.
- Give the cougar enough space to leave the yard.
- Notify your neighbours, and the nearest Fish and Wildlife office.
If the cougar is close.
If a cougar is close and showing aggressive behaviour (hissing and snarling or staring intently or tracking movements):
- Do not run and do not play dead.
- Bring your children and pets in close.
- Show the cougar that you are not easy prey by making yourself look big and speaking loudly.
- If the cougar makes contact, fight back and don’t give up. Use all means at your disposal. Hit the cougar in the face with rocks, sticks or your fists. Don’t stop. If you get knocked down, get back up. Use your bear spray.
