A four-year old was attacked by a cougar a few weeks ago and a cougar had to be destroyed in Fernie a few nights ago.

We have chosen to live in wildlife country and should be prepared to encounter wildlife anytime and understand wildlife behaviour.

Cougars are wide ranging animals and may show up in urban settings from time to time. If they are passing through it is important they do not find food that may encourage them to stay.  Many urban incidents occur with young cougars that have not yet learned how to hunt effectively or older animals that can no longer hunt in the wilds.

• Feed pets indoors and keep pets indoors, especially at night. Cats and small dogs that are left to free-range, hunt small birds and rodents and, in turn, become prey themselves.
• Never feed deer or other possible prey species for cougars. While deer may be pleasant to watch, they can attract large predators such as cougars into residential neighborhoods. As well, urban deer present their own set of problems to you and your neighbors.
• Cougars are most active during the period from dusk until dawn

If you encounter a Cougar

• STAY CALM, DO NOT RUN, MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT
• Pick up small children and small pets
• Let the Cougar know you are human-NOT prey
• Make yourself as large and as mean as possible
• Use your voice in a loud and assertive manner
• Back away slowly. Never turn your back on wildlife
• If the cougar attacks, fight back with everything that you’ve got, it is a predatory attack

Never approach or feed wildlife

Report human/wildlife conflict to 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on cell.

WildSafeBC Elk Valley

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