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Cougar Smart

Cougar Smart Ministry of Environment Cougar Distribution Cougars in British Columbia BC has largest population of cougars ( Puma concolor ) of any jurisdiction in North America Estimated population of 4000 – 6000 Weigh from 40–90 kg (90-200 lb) About 7 ft long (tail is 1/3 of body length)

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Cougar Smart

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  1. Cougar Smart Ministry of Environment

  2. Cougar Distribution

  3. Cougars in British Columbia BC has largest population of cougars (Puma concolor) of any jurisdiction in North America Estimated population of 4000 – 6000

  4. Weigh from 40–90 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 Cougar Facts

  5. 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. Cougar Behavior 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.

  6. Cougar Attacks Very rare (8 deaths and 65 people injured in the last 200 years in BC)

  7. Living in Cougar Country 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.

  8. Living in Cougar Country Closely supervise children and be sure they are indoors by dusk. Light walkways and remove any heavy vegetation or landscaping near the house.

  9. Living in Cougar Country Store garbage in cans with tight-fitting lids so odors do not attract small mammals. Avoid feeding wildlife or landscaping with shrubs and plants that deer prefer to eat.

  10. Playing in Cougar Country 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.

  11. Playing in Cougar Country 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.

  12. Playing in Cougar Country 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

  13. What To Do When You See a Cougar Stop, stand tall and don’t run. Pick up small children immediately. Remember, a cougar’s instinct is to chase. Face the cougar, talk to it firmly and slowly back away. Always leave the animal an escape route.

  14. What To Do When You See a Cougar 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.

  15. What To Do When You See a Cougar 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.

  16. 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

  17. Thank You

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