Halloween is a scary time, but most of us know that all the terror and horror is just good fun.
But for residents of Bragg Creek, a Halloween horror happening close to town has residents on guard.
The local community is on high alert due to a potentially injured cougar that has been responsible for the death of six dogs.
These attacks have taken place over the last three months, with an alarming increase of three incidents in just the past week.
The dogs, varying in size and including a large Rottweiler, were targeted during the early morning and late at night, which is the typical hunting time for cougars.
According to reports from the Cochrane Eagle and the Calgary Herald, the cougar’s unusual behaviour might be due to an injury.
Typically, cougars avoid human-populated areas and are not known to target large dogs as prey. The aggressive behaviour of this particular cougar suggests it might be struggling to hunt its natural prey, leading it to target easier, albeit unusual, game-like domesticated dogs.
The RCMP, Tsuut’ina Nation Police and Alberta Fish and Wildlife are working hard to capture the cougar. They are monitoring the situation closely, urging residents to report any sightings of the cougar to Fish and Wildlife at 403-297-6423 or, in emergencies, to call 9-1-1.
Bragg Creek has successfully coexisted with wildlife, including cougars, known as efficient predators, mainly feeding on deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and small mammals.
While cougar attacks on humans are rare, the recent behaviour of this particular cougar is concerning.
For residents and hikers in the Bragg Creek area, several precautionary measures are recommended to ensure safety:
1. Keep Pets Safe:
- Do not leave pets outside unsupervised, especially at night.
- Keep dogs on a leash when outdoors.
- Ensure outdoor kennels for dogs are secure and covered.
- Bring pets indoors at dusk and dawn.
2. Property Precautions:
- Never feed wildlife, as this can attract cougars.
- Secure garbage and avoid attracting small animals.
- Clear thick vegetation around your home to reduce hiding spots for cougars.
- Install motion-activated lights to deter wildlife.
3. Personal Safety Measures While Hiking:
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Keep children close and supervise them at all times, especially near forested areas and during twilight hours.
- In the event of a cougar encounter, do not run or play dead; instead, make yourself appear larger and make noise to seem less like prey.
- If a cougar attacks, fight back vigorously using all available means.
For those living in or visiting cougar territories, the importance of being aware and prepared cannot be overstated.
It’s crucial to follow guidelines provided by local authorities and wildlife experts to minimize the risk of conflict and ensure the safety of the community and the local wildlife.
The last thing anyone needs is a real-life Halloween horror.
