Cougar Smart

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Cougar Smart
Ministry of Environment
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Cougar Distribution
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Cougars in British Columbia
BC has largest population of cougars (Puma
concolor) of any jurisdiction in North America
Estimated population of 4000 6000
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Cougar Facts
Weigh from 4090 kg (90-200 lb) About 7 ft long
(tail is 1/3 of body length) Can leap 9 m (30
ft) from a standstill and 8 m (25 ft) straight up
a cliff
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Cougar Behavior
Primary prey is deer - will also feed on wild
sheep, elk, rabbits, beaver, raccoons, grouse,
and occasionally livestock. Most active at dusk
and dawn but will roam and hunt at any time of
the day or night and in all seasons.
Young become independent late spring to summer -
may roam widely in search of unoccupied
territory. This is when cougars are most likely
to conflict with humans.
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Cougar Attacks Very rare (8 deaths and 65
people injured in the last 200 years in BC)
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Keep pets indoors or in secure kennels at night.
Bring farm animals into enclosed sheds or barns
at night, especially during calving or lambing
seasons. Do not leave pet food or food scraps
outside.
Living in Cougar Country
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Closely supervise children and be sure they are
indoors by dusk.
Living in Cougar Country
Light walkways and remove any heavy vegetation or
landscaping near the house.
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Store garbage in cans with tight-fitting lids
so odors do not attract small mammals.
Living in Cougar Country
Avoid feeding wildlife or landscaping with shrubs
and plants that deer prefer to eat.
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Hike in groups and make enough noise to prevent
surprising a cougar. Avoid hiking alone. Keep
small children close to the group, preferably in
plain sight just ahead of you. Do not approach
dead animals, especially recently killed or
partially covered deer and elk.
Playing in Cougar Country
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Be aware of your surroundings, look for tracks,
scratch piles, and partially covered droppings.
Keep a clean camp. Reduce odors that may
attract small mammals like racoons, which in turn
attract cougars.
Playing in Cougar Country
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Store meat, other foods, pet food, and garbage
in double plastic bags. Do not leave your pet
tied at a campsite, which may also attract
cougars. Carry bear spray
Playing in Cougar Country
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Stop, stand tall and dont run. Pick up small
children immediately. Remember, a cougars
instinct is to chase. Face the cougar, talk to
it firmly and slowly back away. Always leave the
animal an escape route.
What To Do When You See a Cougar
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Try to appear larger than the cougar by
getting above it. (e.g., stepping up onto a
stump). If wearing a jacket, hold it open to
further increase your size. Do not take your
eyes off the animal or turn your back. Do not
crouch down or try to hide.
What To Do When You See a Cougar
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Never approach the animal, especially if it is
near a kill or with kittens. Never corner the
animal or offer it food. If the animal does not
flee and shows signs of aggression be more
assertive. Shout, wave your arms and throw rocks.
If the cougar attacks, fight back aggressively
and try to stay on your feet.
What To Do When You See a Cougar
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If You See a Cougar

• NEVER
• Run
• Turn your back
• Play dead
• Approach it

• ALWAYS
• Remain alert
• Stay calm
• Look big
• Make noise
• Fight back if it attacks

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Thank You