Parks Canada has issued a cougar warning for the Banff townsite and surrounding space.
“A cougar displayed aggressive behaviour, after approaching a canine walker at a detailed distance,” reads the warning, issued Monday.
Dan Rafla, human wildlife coexistence specialist with Banff Nationwide Park mentioned it is best to stroll with others, carry bear spray, and be alert — particularly when strolling pets.
“Cougars are typically lively at these kind of daybreak and nightfall … think about strolling your canine throughout daylight, or should you do stroll it after darkish, which is okay, think about another route someplace in additional built-up space on the town moderately than trails or the place it is darkish and there is a lot of cowl for a cat,” he recommended.
Rafla mentioned it is essential to make a lot of noise.
And, within the uncommon case of an assault, defend your self.
“With bears, we generally in some cases say play lifeless. You wouldn’t wish to play lifeless with a cougar,” he mentioned.
You wish to be intimidating, forceful and powerful, at the very least seem sturdy if it does make contact with you. You wish to battle again vigorously and use any objects you may discover shut by, whether or not it is a rock or a stick or something you should use to guard your self.”
Any cougar sightings needs to be reported to the Banff 24/7 emergency dispatch line at 403-762-1470.
