Two separate incidents of dogs attacked by cougars were reported at the north end of Sparwood by Wilson Creek last week.

One cougar was shot by a resident. Cougar sightings have also been reported in Hosmer and Sparwood Heights.

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.

If you encounter a cougar:

STAY CALM, DO NOT RUN, MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT

Let the cougar know you are human-NOT preyPick up small children and small pets

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(RAPP) or #7277 on cell.

Elk Valley Bear Aware

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