Sundre and surrounding area residents are reminded to report as promptly as possible any sightings of potentially dangerous predators. On the evening of Tuesday, Dec.
Sundre and surrounding area residents are reminded to report as promptly as possible any sightings of potentially dangerous predators.
On the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 5, a cougar reportedly attempted to carry off a small dog from a property south of Sundre along the Bergen Road, or Highway 760. Although frightened, the pet was otherwise unharmed, according to the resident who made the report.
"We did receive that call," said Adam Mirus, district Fish and Wildlife officer.
Unfortunately, the sighting was brought to officials' attention almost 24 hours following the alleged incident, at which point there is not much officers can do as the animal has moved on by then, Mirus told the Round Up Friday afternoon.
While officials could not technically confirm the sighting — sometimes a lynx or bobcat is mistaken for a cougar — Mirus said the resident was "pretty confident" the animal in this case was a cougar.
There have been no other reports over the past week, he said.
Regardless of whether such encounters occur at 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., people are urged to report the incident as soon as possible. During regular daytime hours, people can contact the local Fish and Wildlife office at 403-638-3805. After hours, including over the holidays when the office will be closed, people can call the 24-hour Report A Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800. Additionally, the website mountainviewbearsmart.com, which runs year-round, provides people with an opportunity to log reports of sightings so others who are planning trips to the West Country can stay on top of the latest encounters, he said.
"As for residents who live in the area, we are in bear country. That includes cougars," he said, encouraging people to take precautions such as not leaving pets outdoors overnight or unsupervised.
"Keep your pets on a leash if you are walking the trails," he added, noting that carrying a can of bear spray is advisable, as is making sure to walk in groups as opposed to alone.
However, this season's cougar activity has so far been a bit slower than recent averages.
"We're seeing less cougar activity than we've seen in past years," he said, speculating that might be the result of warmer weather. Cold, snowy conditions tend to bring prey animals together in search of food, which in turn attracts predators, he said.
