Cougar attack on boy elicits tips to protect yourself

Earlier this week on Sunday a Red Deer family’s life changed forever. Chay Feuser received a call from her friend Alishea that her son Cason had been viciously mauled by a cougar near the Rocky Mountain House area. A neighbour was able to throw a rock and hit the cougar in the head. It then released Cason from its vice grip. Seven-year-old Cason received over 200 staples and surgical clamps and was in surgery for three and a half hours. He also received additional stitches to his head, face and neck. Miraculously no main arteries were hit or lungs punctured. Cason does, however, have a fractured jaw and sever cosmetic injuries. Alberta Fish and Wildlife confirmed that the cougar was caught and euthanized. Video Journalist Micah Quinn was out at the river valley in Lethbridge and has tips from Alberta Fish and Wildlife on what to do should you encounter a cougar.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife says if you do encounter a cougar it’s best to let them know and contact your local Fish and Wildlife office. If you do encounter a cougar in the distance, make sure you don’t run or turn your back. If the cougar appears to be unaware that you’re there, grab your children and pets and bring them close to you and slowly back away and leave the area. If you see a cougar in your backyard make sure that all people and pets are brought inside and give the cougar enough space to leave the yard. Make sure to notify your neighbours as well and contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife. If the cougar is close and showing aggressive behaviour like hissing, snarling or staring intently, do not run or play dead. Show the cougar that you’re not easy prey by making yourself big and speaking loudly. If the cougar makes contact, fight back using any means at your disposal. Hit the cougar in the face with rocks, sticks, or your own fists. You can also use bear spray as its been known to be effective against cougars as well.