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Cougars

ABOUT COUGARS (MOUNTAIN LIONS)

The Meadow Lake area is part of the cougar's natural range. These animals typically avoid contact with people, and sightings within city limits are very rare.

If you see a cougar in your community, avoid trying to approach or chase the animal. If you have an aggressive encounter with wildlife, and/or if public safety is at risk, call the Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or from your SaskTel cell phone at #5555.

  • Cougars are efficient predators that feed largely on deer and other mammals.
  • A healthy cougar population is an indication of a thriving local ecosystem.
  • Cougars are often confused with other animals, and many sightings reported to wildlife agencies are found to be coyotes, lynx, yellow dogs or even house cats.
  • True cougar sightings are relatively low in number as they are elusive and generally not found within heavily populated areas.
  • Cougars are active at all times of the day. If they enter open habitats and areas near humans, they typically do so when it is dark.
  • It is very rare for people to hear the sounds cougars make. Cougars normally vocalize only when they are mating, feeling threatened or communicating with their kittens.
  • Sightings have been on the rise in the last decade due to a greater number of people living and recreating in traditional cougar habitat.

Did you know? In years when deer, elk and moose numbers are high, the number of cougars will be high.

Preventing Conflict

How can I keep cougars away from my yard?

  • 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.

Are cougars a threat to humans?

  • Cougar attacks on humans are very rare. The majority of those that do occur happen with adults who are in cougar territory alone, or with children.
  • Children are small, have high-pitched voices and are more likely to make quick, erratic movements. These qualities mimic those of smaller mammals, so a cougar may mistake a child for a prey animal.
  • Teach children that if they see a cougar, they should never scream in fear, turn their backs or run away. Tell them to stay with their friends in a close group and to back away to a place of safety.

Are cougars a threat to our pets?

  • Cougars see domestic cats and dogs as easy prey.
  • Keep your cats indoors and bring your dogs inside at night.
  • Dogs that stay outside unsupervised should be kept in a secure kennel that is covered across the top.
  • If you keep sheep, llamas or goats on your property, ensure they are kept in a secure, covered shelter at night.

What do I do in a cougar encounter?

If you see a cougar in the distance...

  • Do not run or turn your back.
  • If the cougar appears to be unaware of your presence, gather children and pets in close, slowly and cautiously back away and leave the area.

If you see a cougar in your backyard...

  • Ensure that all people and pets are brought inside.
  • Give the cougar enough space to leave the yard.
  • Notify your neighbours, and the nearest Saskatchewan Environment office.

If the cougar is close...

If a cougar is close and showing aggressive behaviour (hissing and snarling or staring intently or tracking movements):

  • Do not run and do not play dead.
  • Bring your children and pets in close.
  • Show the cougar that you are not easy prey by making yourself look big and speaking loudly.
  • If the cougar makes contact, fight back and don't give up. Use all means at your disposal. Hit the cougar in the face with rocks, sticks or your fists. Don't stop. If you get knocked down, get back up.
  • Use your bear spray.