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Cougar sightings reported in Athabasca

Athabasca's branch of Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement received reports of two possible cougar sightings in May around the Muskeg Creek Trail system.
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Athabasca's branch of Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement received reports of two possible cougar sightings in May around the Muskeg Creek Trail system.

One sighting was reported on May 3, near the Athabasca Extendicare and Landing Trail Intermediate School (LTIS). Another sighting was reported on May 30 in the alley way near 55th Street, also close to LTIS.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer Adam Jalbert said he and fellow officers have not been able to confirm the actual presence of the cougar. They have not found any source of tracks or scat in the area, nor have the located any kills attributed to the animal.

He added that given the location and large deer population in the area, it does not come as a surprise that the town could be a part of a cougar's home range.

“The proliferation of deer in and around the town site provides a very attractive food source to a predator such as a cougar, ” he said.

“It is well documented that several residents in the town of Athabasca have chosen to continue to feed the deer. By doing this, the deer are becoming more and more habituated to humans. ”

He added as a result, predators such as cougars could also become habituated to humans, getting closer to move in on prey.

Jalbert recommends that those in rural areas have a yard light installed to prevent a surprise encounter, and those spending time outside should keep children and pets close by and away from heavily-wooded areas.

He also said if one does happen to encounter a cougar, the person should back way slowly and not run. If the cougar continues to approach, make yourself look bigger by opening your jacket or waving your arms.

“If the cougar makes contact with you must fight back, ” he said. “Using your bear spray, hit, kick the cougar however you can. Aim your focus on the eyes and face. ”

Land owners in rural areas are also permitted to hunt cougars on their lands at anytime of the year without a licence. Jalbert noted that if a cougar is killed it must be taken to a Fish and Wildlife office within one week for the purposes of registration.

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