Parks Canada has issued a wildlife warning for the lower Tunnel Mountain area after a local resident had a close encounter with two cougars on June 15.
The man was hiking off trail on the bench above the Bow River, directly below the steep cliff faces of Tunnel Mountain when he encountered two cougars at close range. When he left, one of the cougars followed him for a short distance.
“The man was followed for a short distance by one of the cougars. They appeared curious and that was enough of a concern that we thought it wise to post a warning,” said Steve Michel, a Parks human wildlife conflict specialist.
The cougars were likely young, Michel said, and will naturally investigate the unknown.
“Curiosity is expected, but that can evolve into a dangerous situation,” Michel said.
Two more cougar sightings were also reported in that area on June 14 and 16.
Cougars are often solitary creatures, so those seen together are often siblings, Michel said.
The warning stretches from the Surprise Corner and Hoodoo parking lots, including the Bow River/Hoodoos Trail to south of Tunnel Mountain Drive.
There has been no study of cougar activity in Banff National Park for years, however, through observing remote camera data, Michel said there are certainly ‘several’ cougars moving through the Bow Valley and trail users should always be aware of their presence.
In order to reduce the chances of cougar encounters, trail users are encouraged to travel in groups, make noise and keep dogs on leash. At the first sight or smell of a dying animal, trail users should immediately leave the area.
When encountering a cougar, make yourself look as big as possible, maintain eye contact. Bear spray can be used on cougars.
“People think about bears for about four or five months of the year, but cougars are always present,” Michel said.
He also wants to remind motorists to slow down on Bow Valley Parkway. Sections have been identified as a sensitive area for wildlife, and speed limits have been reduced in certain areas.
Anyone who sees a cougar or bear in Banff National Park should call 403-762-1470.
