CANMORE – A cougar is hunting on the outskirts of Canmore, prompting a warning from Alberta Parks.
The warning was put in place Sunday (Jan. 8) and includes the Town of Canmore and Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park lands, specifically Cougar Creek, Horseshoe Loop trails, Montane Traverse Trail and surrounding areas.
Bridget Burgess, a spokesperson for Alberta Parks, said the warning is in place until further notice because of fequent sightings of a cougar in the area.
A cougar warning is in place for the Town of Canmore and Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park.
"There have been repeated cougar sightings and tracks in the area; however, the warning is precautionary in nature," she said in an email.
"There have not been any attacks or close encounters with humans. With a large number of elk and deer in and around the area, it is important to exercise caution."
Bow Valley Riding Association first reported a cougar kill on Indian Flats on Dec. 31. A cougar feeding on a carcass in the Horseshoe area was also reported by residents on Friday (Jan. 6).
In addition, there was a cougar spotted on Monday morning (Jan. 9) in the forest between the backyards of 200 Elk Run Boulevard.
The Bow Valley Riding Association has warned people against walking dogs off-leash on its property by Indian Flats.
“Wildlife usage of this area is just one of the reasons why we have clear signage asking the public to keep their dog on a leash,” the group states.
“If there was ever a serious incident with horses or wildlife and an off-leash dog, we would have to reconsider how the public accesses this area.”
To avoid a surprise encounter with a cougar, Alberta Parks reminds people to make plenty of noise and travel in group; be aware of surroundings; look and listen for cougars and their signs and keep pets on a leash.
Please report all cougar sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.
