Bear and cougar sightings are becoming more common in the Cochrane area and if you're not used to it yet, get there. Even with their increasing population, there's minimal chance of human-wildlife conflict if practical measures are taken on properties and in recreational pursuits.

Grizzly bears and cougars numbers are up for two entirely different reasons. Listed as a threatened species under the Alberta Wildlife Act, the grizzly's population is being aided by the Grizzly Bear Recovery Program, while the cougars are likely being encouraged to establish further habitant in the area because of its healthy population of deer.

"We do have cougar sightings regularly along the river and just north of Cochrane in the Big Hills Spring area," says Fish and Wildlife officer David Dickson. "There's lots of food there for them and lots of deer. Those cougars have not been an issue; they've been feeding on their natural food sources which is primarly deer. They're just sightings right now. Something to watch, something to be aware of, but they're just sightings."

While both black and grizzly bears have habitant in the Cochrane area, it's the grizzly population that is growing.

"Grizzly bear numbers are increasing and they're expanding their range so in the immediately Cochrane area we commonly find family groups, mothers with cubs or adults travelling through area," explains wildlife biologist Grant Chapman of the Bow District of the South Saskatchewan Region. "We have great habitant for bears so it's not surprising that they're in the area."

That means people who histroically haven't dealt with bears are more likely to do so, particularly in the outlying areas of Cochrane, although they do stray into town.

"We know they're in the area, we know they're moving around," says Dickson. "It's not unusual to get a bear sighting right in Cochrane, especially right along the river," says Fish and Wildlife officer David Dickson.

But a sighting is not the same as a human-wildlife conflict and if people or property aren't at risk there is no need for action.

"General wildlife sightings are not something we really record," says Chapman. "If the wildlife is in their normal habitant doing normal things that are not posing a risk to public safety or properly safety you don't need to call that in. But if there is a risk, call it in."

Chapman says there are preventive measures that will further reduce conflict between humans and animals. On properties that largely means making sure attractants aren't readily accessible, like garbage, compost, bird feeders and bee and honey hives.

In a ranch setting, they are partcularly attracted to leaking and even secure grain bins and dead livestock that has not been properly disposed of.

More people are starting to use temporary and permanent electric fences to keep wildlife away from attractants, says Chapman, and it's proving to be effective.

"It's really important to ensure we're all doing our part to prevent conflict because typically when bears get into human sources food they will continue to do so for the rest of their lives," he explains. We should do our part to make sure we are living and acting in a way that doesn't cause conflict with wildlife."

While recreating there are some basic tips to keep in mind.

"If you're recreating or living in bear country you should make sure you, first, carry bear spray, but also travel in larger groups, make noise and be aware or watch for signs or animals," says Chapman.

That includes watching for bear scat, signs of fresh tracks or dead wildlife that is somewhat covered or appears to have been scavenged.

Mountain bikers have a higher likehood of encounter because of their speed and quiet travel.

Also keep in mind bears love berries and from mid-July to September they will be on the hunt for the likes of Saskatoons and Buffalo berries.

Cougars may not be as noticeable because of their reclusive nature, but they're out there.

"Cougar management areas have expanded and it's not unlikely to have a report of a cougar in the Cochrane area. It's good habitant for them.," explains Chapman. "Although you will rarely see a cougar they are in the landscape."

To prevent conflict, make noise, travel in groups, make sure children are kept close and that dogs aren't unleashed and running around.

"Commonly they can cause a response from the cougar or bear and attract that animal to where the humans are when they come running back..

Should a conflict occur there are ways to respond.

"Gather children and pets and have them close to you, be large, make noise and back away really slowly and keep your eyes on the animal until you can get to a safe location."

Should there be a public safety concern involving bears, cougars or any other large mammal, you can call Report A Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800. That's the same number you use to report fish, wildlife and backcountry offenses.