Cougars, though rarely seen, are residents in the Bow Valley. The information below will help you stay safe.

Avoid Cougar Encounters

• Cougars generally avoid people.
• Travel in groups and keep everyone together including children and dogs.
• Cougars can be attracted to children, due to their small size and erratic movement patterns. Keep watch over your children, especially during dusk and dawn, when cougars are most active.
• Walk your dog on leash.
• Make noise to alert cougars of your presence.
• Leave the area if you see or smell a dead animal. Cougars usually cover their kills with forest debris.

Handling an ENCOUNTER

• Immediately pick up children and pets.
• Do not turn your back on a cougar.
• Maintain eye contact with the cougar.
• Always leave room for it to escape.
• NEVER RUN; it may trigger an attack.
• Make yourself appear as large as possible.
• Back away slowly.

Handling an ATTACK

• Fight back with anything at hand.
• Use bear spray (keep canisters easily accessible and warm in winter to improve effectiveness).

Report cougar sightings to 403.591.7755
For all public safety emergencies, call 9-1-1

Of Interest...

The following interactive map illustrates cougar activity in the vicinity of the Town of Canmore. The illustration is based on snow-tracking and GPS fixes recorded at regular intervals between December 2000 and February 2001.

Click image to enlarge.