The Town Office has received a report of a Cougar appearing on a residential surveillance camera. (Photo: Town of Coalhurst website)

By Sarah Jones

Town of Coalhurst warns of cougar sighting

May 12, 2023 | 7:38 AM

COALHURST, AB – The Town of Coalhurst has issued a public notice for residents after they received a report of a cougar sighting in the Sundance Subdivision.

On May 11, 2023, a residential surveillance camera captured what appears to be a cougar in the southern portion of Coalhurst.

Fish and Wildlife have been made aware of the sighting, and any further sightings should be reported immediately.

With the potential for the big cat to still be in the area, the Town of Coalhurst is offering tips to residents if they see a cougar in their backyard:

• Ensure that all people and pets are brought inside.

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• Give the cougar enough space to leave the yard.

• Notify your neighbor’s, and the nearest Fish and Wildlife office.

To prevent any problems with cougars residents are encouraged to follow some steps provided by the Alberta Government.

• Before letting dogs into your yard, turn on the lights and make some noise – check to make sure there aren’t any unexpected animals in your yard.

• Keep dogs on leash and stick to well-lit areas when walking dogs at night – avoid dark, forested wildlife areas after sunset.

• Keep cats indoors, or in secure outdoor enclosures – at minimum, make sure cats come in at night.

More information on cougar encounters can be found on the Alberta Government website.

Reports of any further cougar sightings can be made to Fish and Wildlife at 403-381-5266 or to the Town Office at 403-381-3033.

Read more: LethbridgeNewsNow.com