A cougar, a rare visitor in these parts, was spotted on a camera trap about 15 kilometres outside of Elbow recently. Cougars are elusive creatures and often avoid human contact, making their presence less noticeable.

 If you encounter a cougar:

 • Don’t run; instead, stand your ground, make yourself look big, shout loudly, and throw something to distract the animal.

• Back away to a safe distance and maintain eye contact.

• If a cougar makes contact, fight back and use any available weapon.

• Never play dead with a cougar.

• Keep a close eye on children, as cougars may view them as prey targets due to their small size and quick movements.

COUGAR FACTS:

• Cougars are the most evasive and secretive of all wildlife species in Saskatchewan, and generally travel in low light conditions to move or stalk their prey.

• Cougars are the largest feline of the three native cat species to Saskatchewan, the others being bobcat and lynx.

• The cougar’s primary prey is deer. However, they are known to prey on livestock and pets. They will also feed on elk, rabbits, beaver, porcupines, raccoons and grouse.

• Cougars have large home ranges and males can travel more than 50 kilometres in one day.

• Cougars will generally give birth to two or three kittens.

• During late spring and summer, one to two-year old cougars become independent of their mothers. While attempting to find a home range, these young cougars may roam widely in search of unoccupied territory. This is when cougars are most likely to conflict with humans.

(Source: Saskatchewan.ca)