Officials in Redwood Meadows have issued a warning about cougar and bears sightings and are sternly pointing the finger at residents for not properly managing their garbage and feeding wildlife.

This afternoon in a letter to residents, Redwood Meadows officials said the high level of predatory wildlife in the area is a serious matter that must be dealt with and will no longer provide warnings before fining those violating the community's bylaws.

The letter states Fish and Wildlife has confirmed a cougar attack killed a 130-lb. dog late last week in Bragg Creek. Closer to home, two deer carcasses have been discovered on the riverside in Redwood Meadows and they are suspected to be cougar kills. Townsite officials were told by Alberta Environment and Parks that it is a direct result of townsite residents feeding deer and the deer utilizing the townsite as a refuge.

"We strongly remind residents to abide by our townsite bylaws in regards to storing garbage and feeding wildlife. Predators have become aware that our community is a food source," states the letter. "Last summer and fall were not an anomaly. In consultation with Fish and Wildlife, we can expect this to be the new normal due to ongoing human error and negligence."

Fish and Wildlife have also confirmed with townsite officials that a nontagged 700-lb male grizzly is currently being tracked in the Bragg Creek area and that the bear has found its way into area beehives and garbage. In addition, black bears have been spotted in the vicinity of Redwood Meadows.

Townsite officials say they have observed poor choices being made by residents, including the establishment of feeding stations and salt licks for deer and the poor control of dogs.

"We are regretfully enhancing the odds that a child or pet or someone out for a walk will experience a negative outcome."

Redwood Meadows has weekly curbside garbage pickup is every Monday and residents are asked to put out their bins by 7 a.m. Garbage bins set out the night before are subject to a fine.