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Cougar seen chasing deer by golf course
Reports of bear and cougar sightings continue to arrive at Elk Valley Bear Aware (EVBA).
By reporting these sightings, EVBA is giving residents a heads up and hopefully reducing human-wildlife conflicts, which often result in wildlife losing their lives.
The following is Elk Valley Bear Aware’s report for June 1.
Fernie
A small cinnamon colored bear has been seen in James White Park and on the dike behind the homes on Mt Proctor. Please do not feed or approach the bear. Bear sightings also reported by the Gorby Bridge.
Keeping garbage stored indoors until collection day and securing wildlife attractants is the best way to keep people safe, prevent property damage, and avoid the unnecessary killing of bears that come into conflict with people.
Bottom line: Garbage, birdseed and pet food etc. attracts bears to your property making it more likely for the bear to break into your home creating a safety risk for your family and a death sentence for the bear.
Sparwood
A cougar was seen chasing deer by the Whisky Jack Golf Course and by the Elk Valley Mobile Home Park.
A black bear and cubs have been seen by the pedestrian bridge on Matevic Road and bear sightings reported above the mountain shadows campground.
Cougars
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.
Bird feeders can attract cougars and bears. Seeds on the ground can accumulate, attracting rodents and, in turn, attracting cougars and other predators that feed on the rodents.
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.
Deer are one of the cougar’s primary food sources. If deer are abundant in an area, especially a wintering area, then there is a good possibility to find cougars using the same area.
Cougars are most active during the period from dusk until dawn and this period requires extra vigilance by hikers while in cougar country.
Cougar Safety Tips
Attacks by cougars are rare but can be fatal, especially if young children are involved. In all cases you must fight back as cougar attacks are always predatory and the cougar sees you as a meal. Use rocks, sticks or whatever you have at hand to protect yourself.
If you see a cougar that is watching you, maintain eye contact with the cougar and speak to it in a loud firm voice. Reinforce the fact that you are a human and not an easy target. Back out of the area and seek assistance or shelter. Call the Conservation Officer Service reporting line (1-877-952-7277) to report the incident.
Thank you for helping keep wildlife wild and our community safe.
For more information on wildlife safety go to http://www.wildsafebc.com
Elk Valley Bear Aware
