02/01/2025
Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services has received several reports of cougar sightings in the Athabasca area over the recent weeks. With the increase in sightings, it is important for residents to understand some basic information in order to avoid conflict.
A healthy cougar population is an indication of a thriving local ecosystem. In years when deer, elk and moose numbers are high, cougar numbers are also high.
FWES is aware that some residents are intentionally feeding deer in the area. While the act of feeding deer is not unlawful, this practice results in an unnatural concentration of deer which is the cougar’s preferred prey species. This high number of deer is likely a primary contributing factor for the recent cougar sightings.
To prevent cougars from visiting your property:
• Never feed any kind of wildlife. Feeding or leaving fallen bird seed or salt licks that attract wildlife such as deer to your property will, in turn, attract cougars and other predators. Urban deer that get food from unnatural sources such as your yard tend to become slower and more docile, making them easier prey for cougars. Cougars may be more likely to enter human-use areas if the deer there are easier to catch.
• Avoid attracting small animals to your yard. Keep your garbage in a container with a tightly fitting lid.
• Keep the perimeter around your house clear of thick or tall vegetation. This will help ensure that cougars, other predators, and prey species will not see your home as a safe place to stop to rest or search for food.
• Close off open spaces under decks or patios with durable wire mesh. This will prevent cougars, and other wildlife, from using that space for shelter.
• Install motion-activated security lights. These may help frighten away curious cougars.
• Encourage your family and neighbours to take the same preventative measures on their property. If a cougar returns to your neighbourhood, it is because it has learned that food or shelter can be easily attained there.
Any person who is the owner or occupant of privately owned land may at any time of the year, without the use of dogs, hunt (but not trap) cougar on such lands without a licence. Under this authority, registration is required within one week of the kill.
For more information on cougars visit https://www.alberta.ca/cougars
To report aggressive or dangerous wildlife, call the Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 or report online at https://www.alberta.ca/report-poacher
