Parks Canada has issued a cougar warning as a precaution after someone reported an encounter with one of the cats in the Banff townsite.
Parks Canada officers were contacted late Thursday about a cougar encounter in the general area of the industrial compound in Banff.
The warning area includes the northeast end of the townsite; train tracks from the compound to the train station, Marmot Crescent, Whiskey Creek and the industrial compound area.
The call was anonymous and the person was only able to provide a limited amount of information so wildlife specialists were unable to find the exact location where the cougar was last seen.
Officials have issued the warning as a precaution and wildlife specialists are sweeping the area for any signs of the animal.
Parks Canada says that a warning will remain in effect until further notice.
Cougar attacks are rare but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of contact:
- Children and crouching adults are most at risk
- Never leave your children unattended
- Avoid being alone on hiking trails at dusk or dawn
- Keep pets leashed at all times
- Do not stare into a cougar's eyes, run or crouch down
- Pick up small children and back away slowly.
Wildlife officers are asking the public to call the 24-hour Banff dispatch at 403-762-1470 for carnivore encounters and sightings in-and-around the Banff townsite.
For more information on wildlife hazards, visit the Parks Canada website.
