Residents west of Calgary on high alert after multiple cougar sightings

Alberta Fish and Wildlife have issued a warning west of Calgary after two separate cougar sightings over the span of a week.

Officials were first called to the rural community of Harmony on May 5 after a cougar was spotted near a walking trail and off-leash dog park.

One residents tells CityNews it’s a place he frequents with his kid and small dog.

“Clearly these animals can gain access and clear fences quite easily,” he says. “At any point there could be a threat.”

Another cougar was seen in the community on Monday and residents are being warned to stay vigilant and keep their pets on a leash.

Scottie Potter with the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) says cougars are hyper-carnivores and very specific about what they are hunting.

Unlike bears, cougars are not attracted to an area because of fruit trees, garbage or greasy barbecues, Potter says.

Despite their reputation for people, they are actually fearful of people and pose minimal threat. The same can’t be said for smaller pets.

“They need to maximize the amount of meat that they are able to find,” she says. “The number one attractant is actually small pets, particularly an outdoor cat.”

“They’ll actually be willing to stick around in areas that they know have lots of small pets that are unattended. That’s especially seen in more rural areas.”

Anyone who comes across a cougar is advised to behave the same way the would if they encountered a black bear. It means making noise, making yourself look as big as possible, and ensuring any pets are on leashes.