Cougar sighting in Lethbridge

We often hear of wildlife sightings in Lethbridge including deer and coyotes. Seeing a cougar, however, is a rare sight.

The Lethbridge office of Fish and Wildlife received two reports over the Victoria Day weekend of a cougar being spotted along the Old Man River near Whoop Up Drive. Officers were not able to locate the animal when they attended the scene, so they are not able to officially confirm the sighting. They say, however, it is very possible as the river bottom is a natural corridor for wildlife, and cougars generally do follow their prey.

Sergeant Jason LeFrancois, Lethbridge Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services has some advice on what to do if you encounter an animal of this size while out on a coulee hike.

“We encourage people to not travel alone, to travel in groups and to carry some form of protective measure like bear spray, also effective on cougars,” says LeFrancois.

“If you happen to come across one (cougar) in the distance, don’t run, don’t turn your back. If you have small children with you bring the in nice and close, same with small pets – bring them in nice and close and then just try to slowly and cautiously back away from the area,” he says.

LeFrancois adds if for some reason the cougar comes in closer to you because it’s curious, “make yourself as big and be as loud as possible to let it know you’re not prey and then use the bear spray if possible.”

If you do encounter a large animal like a cougar in a residential area, you’re asked to call the Report a Poacher line at 1.880.642.3800.

More information is also available at alberta.ca/cougars