Fish Creek And Cougars?

[Carlodabroads]

Cougar Spotted In Fish Creek Provincial Park

Jul, 24 2007 - 1:10 PM

 

 

CALGARY/AM770CHQR - Wildlife officials are warning people in Fish Creek Provincial Park to be vigilant, because of cougar sightings over the last few days.

The animal hasn't show any aggression toward people though.

Park Conservation and Fish and Wildlife officers are monitoring the situation, and will try to capture the cougar if they can.

But snagging a cougar isn't easy because they're wary and can easily get away.

Officials are recommending people avoid visiting the park at dawn or dusk, make lots of noise, keep your pets leashed, and carry a stick or pepper spray as a deterrent.

If you encounter a cougar, shout and be aggressive, throw rocks or fight back, and raise your arms in the air to appear as big as possible.

 

 

I figured Id pass along this warning to Maxwell cause I know hes got a problem with all those predatory older females:), but then I realized this was real when I heard it on CBC. Keep your wits about yah boys and girls

[Teck71]

Well you close down their natural enviorment "Cowboys" and there will be a period of adjustment for them. Where they will wind up where they are not wanted.

 

but don't worry I here they will be capturing her by settin out a couple CC&G's, Nachos, playgirl magazines, and playing Bad 80's metal. Then we can all get back to safely fishing with out being acosted by a hunger cougar.

 

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Teck

[SilverDoctor]

Cougar prowls Fish Creek

Public advised to avoid park at dawn, dusk

Kerry Williamson, Calgary Herald

Published: Wednesday, July 25, 2007

 

A cougar that was seen taking down a deer and devouring it not far from a trail in Fish Creek Park appears to have taken up residence in the popular area, sparking concerns for public safety.

 

A man cycling home from work late Monday evening spotted the cougar dragging a freshly killed deer carcass across a trail and into the undergrowth, then watched from a distance as it ate its kill.

 

The sighting was the fifth since last Thursday, when it seems the big cat wandered into the provincial park along a wildlife corridor, crossing in from the Tsuu T'ina reserve.

 

"It's come into the park, found a food supply and it's just doing what a cougar does naturally. It has chosen Fish Creek Park as a feeding area," said provincial conservation officer Norma Campbell.

 

"That's the unusual part -- he's decided that he's going to stay in the area."

 

Park officials say people should avoid using the area at dawn or dusk when cougars are most active, and they should make noise and keep their children close. Pets should be leashed, and hikers should carry a stick or bear spray as a deterrent.

 

Cougars are often spotted in the south Calgary park in summertime, but most quickly leave.

 

This animal appears not to be bothered by the large numbers of people who use the park, and is taking advantage of an easy food supply. Fish Creek is home to a large number of deer, rabbits and other prey.

 

The heavily treed area near the southwest community of Evergreen also offers the cougar good cover.

 

"They normally come into the park, see a few people they don't like and figure this isn't a place they'd want to be and they go on their way," said Campbell. "This one doesn't seem to be bothered by people and has chosen to stay."

 

The warnings came three days after a Spruce Grove woman was forced to fight for her life to fend off an aggressive cougar that had been stalking her as she hiked alone on a popular trail in Kootenay National Park.

 

And it comes less than a week after a cougar began preying on pet cats at nearby Radium Hot Springs, putting residents in the B.C. tourist town on alert.

 

Residents there are being advised to keep their pets indoors at night, not to leave food outside and to supervise small children at all times when they are playing outdoors.

 

The incidents are surprising, given that cougars are solitary, elusive animals that tend to stay well away from humans.

 

The Fish Creek cougar has not acted aggressively towards people, but officials are warning people to stay out of the Bebo Grove/Marshall Springs area at the southwest end of the park, and to be wary and take precautions while using other spots.

 

Campbell said the cougar did not appear to be bothered by the cyclist who spotted it Monday at about 10 p.m.

 

"The cyclist came across the cougar as it was feeding on what looked to be a deer. He watched him from a distance, could see the blood on his mouth, him licking his lips," said Campbell, who spent Tuesday afternoon putting warning signs up in the park.

 

"It lay itself down in the grass and just fed on it. He probably had a good feast last night."