Cougar warning issued for campground near Banff

A heads up for anyone heading to the mountains over the long weekend – a cougar warning is in place at a popular Banff campground.

The warning is in place for Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds and the surrounding area, including areas just east of Banff Avenue in the town of Banff.

Officials recommend special caution for anyone traveling near Tunnel Mountain due to a cougar frequenting the area.

Parks Canada issued the warning after the cougar reportedly hunted and killed a young elk on Wednesday.

The agency has a list of precautions and tips for people who encounter a cougar. More information is available here.

Precautions:

• Supervise children playing outdoors and don’t let children play near dense vegetation. Do not leave small children unattended. 
• If you want to venture into the woods, we recommend you travel in groups of three or more and go during daylight hours only.
• Remember, cougars are solitary animals and are most active at dusk and dawn. 
• Free-roaming pets may attract and be attacked by cougars. Keep your dog on a leash and under physical control at all times. Walk your pets during the day and avoid wooded areas. Bring your pets inside at night. 
• Don’t leave out any animal attractants such as pet food and garbage. Always use the wildlife-proof garbage bins. 
• Talk to your children about what to do to if they encounter a cougar.

If you see a cougar:

• Do not approach the animal. 
• Face the cougar, and retreat slowly – do NOT run or play dead. 
• Try to appear bigger by holding your arms or an object above your head. 
• Immediately pick up small children. 
• Be aggressive. Shout, wave a stick or throw rocks to deter an attack.