Are you starting to wonder if Cochrane is attracting more wildlife?

With recent sightings of a cougar, black bear, and moose on the loose it may have you wondering.

A recent report of a cougar sighting west of the RancheHouse was made to Fish and Wildlife. However, they have been unable to track down its whereabouts since. Brendan Cox, Communications Advisor for Justice and Solicitor General, says the number of wildlife sightings in the Cochrane and Canmore areas is simply on the rise.

There are a couple of reasons for the influx of calls states Cox, primarily, around bear sightings. "A lot has to do with the proper management of attractants on people's property. We know that there are a few areas where ornamental plants are quite popular like apple trees, and mountain ash that produce berries or fruit attractants for animals and all of that contributes to making it an inviting place for wildlife to come."

Another reason wildlife is moving into the area is simply growth. Areas west of Calgary are known bear and cougar habitats and as such, reports are expected to rise.  "As those urban areas continue to expand and more people move there, there will continue to be more conflicts with wildlife. As our communities continue to grow, we do need to be mindful of how we co-exist with wildlife to a certain degree."

Prevention comes down to managing and limiting attractants on your property as well as any areas they could use for refuge. Another area, up for consideration could be wildlife-resistant trash receptacles. "Any steps to properly secure garbage or other attractants is always a step in the right direction, and it's part of being a bear smart community. As bears continue to be active in the Cochrane district and areas west of Calgary, it something we would be pleased to see implemented."

The other point Cox brought up is having common sense. "It is something that we have to reiterate to the public continually and people visiting Alberta that feeding wildlife is never a good idea and approaching it is the same thing."

As wildlife becomes more habituated with humans, the likelihood of negative encounters will only increase, states Cox. "We want to make sure that wild animals, particularly bears or other predators, have as little contact with humans as possible."

Some of the best ways to maintain your safety, says Cox, is to give lots of distance between yourself and the animal, keep pets on a leash and eye contact at a minimum. "Part of that is not taking pictures, don't try to get that selfie with any wildlife. If you have an emergency situation or need to report a dangerous encounter then you can always phone the 24-hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800."

Because we live in a wildlife habitat area, we need to develop and maintain 'smart skills' all the time. With season's changing, Cox reminds community members to remain alert when driving as wildlife encounters can certainly go up in fall. "Summer is drawing to a close, and that means that bears are going to go more out of their way to find food and fatten up as much as possible before the winter, so this is the time of year when people need to be the most cautious about any food attractants on their property. Fall is also the time when moose will be in the rut or mating season, so bull moose will go a bit more out of their way to look for a mate, and that means they can end up in places you don't expect to see them necessarily."

Besides removing food attractants, keeping a tight lid on garbage, and trimming down any tall or thick vegetation around your home's perimeter, the following pointers were made:

  • Close off open spaces under decks or patios with durable wire mesh.
  • Install motion-activated security lights.
  • Encourage your family and neighbours to take the same preventative measures on their property.
  • When in cougar territory, carry bear spray.
  • Keep children close.
  • In the case of a cougar, at 12 metres be prepared to defend yourself. 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 a cougar is hissing and snarling or staring intently and tracking your movements, do not run, and do not play dead. Make yourself look big and speak loudly. If the cougar makes contact, fight back and don’t give up. Use all means at your disposal. 
  • In the case of a moose, although, they can appear docile if they become stressed they can be dangerous and defensive. Give it a lot of space, move on about your own business and try to find a different route that won't bring you closer. If in your yard, make sure it has an avenue to escape, it is not boxed in, and pull your blinds on doors/windows, so the moose doesn't mistake your patio doors as a place to escape to.

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