ELKWATER,AB- Residents in Elkwater are on alert following a cougar sighting in the area.
Signs have been placed throughout the townsite warning residents of increased activity.
A warning to people in Elkwater to keep an eye out for cougars (Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday)Conservation officer Zachary Doan confirms a cougar was spotted on March 15.
“It was laying down behind someone’s cabin. RCMP ended up responding and they pushed it away, and we haven’t seen it since,” Doan said.
Unlike bears, cougars can be seen year-round as they don’t hibernate, according to Doan. He said conservation officers typically receive more sightings in the winter compared to summer, and during the cold snap, officers were busy with reports of sightings.
Attracted to their prey, Doan said cougars will likely migrate to areas where ever deer are present. During the most recent cougar sighting on March 15, he said he found a deer carcass the next day nearby.
For those wanting to stay cougar safe, Done advises not to feed or approach wildlife, and to stick together as a group when wandering the path. He also recommends carrying bear spray as it is just as effective on cougars.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to report any cougar sightings to the Park Enforcement Line at 403-893-4357
With no recent sightings since last Monday, Doan said the warning signs will likely come down in the near future.
