Cougar Safety

Cougar Safety

With the recent cougar activity/sightings in WBC, it’s high time to share some essential safety tips for those facing off with a cougar.

➡️ Nature’s Telegrams: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife signs.
➡️ Staycation: Cougars love a doggy date, but it’s safer to leave your furry friend at home. If your pup insists on joining, keep ’em close and leashed.
➡️ Cell Phone SOS: Carry a cell phone— it can be your lifeline in the wild.
➡️ Ear-Free Expedition: Ditch the headphones. Nature’s soundtrack is way more interesting.
➡️ Buddy System: No lone rangers here! Recreate with a buddy or a whole squad—safety in numbers, folks.
➡️ Kid Keeper: Wrangle the little adventurers! Keep the kiddos in the middle, and no running off on their own (no wilderness hide-and-seek).

We’re all just neighbours, sharing the same backyard. So what happens if you’ve dropped in for an unexpected visit?

1️) Cougar spotted at a distance? Cool.

DON’T play fetch.
Round up your entourage, especially the tiny humans and furballs.
Cougars appreciate a heads-up, just like we do. Make some noise to let them know you’re in the neighborhood.
Cougars are sprinters, not marathon runners so master the art of the slow regress while keeping your eyes on the majestic creature. Running might trigger its instinct to chase.
Maintain eye contact – make it a staring contest.
Ready the bear spray, just in case it’s into spicy encounters.

2️) Cougar’s getting cozy, hissing, snarling, or giving you the death stare?

Declare your independence: “I’m not prey material, pal!”
If you’ve got mini-humans, lift them without crouching, or keep them close.
Serenade the cougar with a robust shout.
Become a runway model; open that jacket, wave your arms, and flaunt your walking stick.
Unleash the noise maker and bear spray.
Distract the cougar with a backpack sacrifice. Cougars aren’t into sharing, and we all know how territorial they can be.

3️) Cougar’s up close and personal? Time for the grand finale.