Fish and Wildlife officers are reminding residents close to Bragg Creek, Alta., that cougars see home cats and dogs as simple prey, and steps ought to be taken to guard them.
On Oct. 21, a canine was reported killed in Mountain Lion Place, close to Bragg Creek, roughly 50 kilometres west of Calgary.
On Oct. 25, a second report was obtained by Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services (FWES) the evening earlier than.
FWES is conscious of 4 different dogs reported to be killed by a cougar within the space this 12 months, however are unable to verify that data.
A FWES officer set out traps in an try and seize the cougar, however the traps have been later eliminated because the cougar didn’t return to the world. Officials mentioned they are going to proceed to watch the state of affairs carefully.
Fish and Wildlife officers advocate householders that dwell in cougar territory maintain their cats indoors and convey dogs inside at evening. Any dogs that keep exterior with out supervision ought to be stored in a safe kennel that’s lined on the highest.
FWES mentioned whereas cougar encounters are uncommon, precautions ought to be taken for those who encounter a cougar:
- Carry bear spray. Be ready to make use of it to defend your self if a cougar approaches inside 12 metres (40 toes – equal to a bus size).
- Keep kids shut. Never allow them to play exterior unsupervised, close to forested areas or at nightfall or daybreak.
- Always walk your canine on a leash.
- If you see a cougar within the distance, don’t run or flip your again.
- If the cougar seems to be unaware of your presence, collect kids and pets in shut, slowly and cautiously again away and go away the world.
- If a cougar is hissing and snarling or staring intently and monitoring your actions, don’t run, and don’t play lifeless.
- Make your self look large and communicate loudly.
- If the cougar makes contact, struggle again and don’t hand over. Use all means at your disposal.
- If you encounter a cougar or different wildlife which may be a public security concern, we ask that folks report the incident to the 24-hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
More data might be found online.
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