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Don't attract animals to your yard
A neighbour that leaves a pet outside endangers everyone in the community. A cougar attracted by a dog may end up injuring someone. If you have a neighbour that is not considering the safety of the cougars and the community, try talking to them. If you don't feel comfortable, then why not leave them a note.
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Keep an eye on your children.
Don't let your children play unattended in the back yard, especially when cougars are known to be in the area. You also want to keep your children away from dense bush which the cougar may use for cover.
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Make lots of noise.
Just like bears, cougars will often retreat if given the opportunity. Walking in large groups, and making noise will give the cougar the chance to retreat and reduce the likelihood of a sudden encounter.
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Be cautious at dusk and dawn.
Contrary to popular belief, most predators are most active at dusk and dawn. This is a time to be especially cautious.
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Keep your pets indoors.
While you may have left your pet in the backyard in the past, it's now time to start bringing it indoors. Cougars can easily kill the largest dog and leaving your pet out may prompt an attack. Also, be sure to keep your dog on a leash. Pets running free may provoke a cougar, and then lead it to you. |
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Make sure you don't leave food or garbage outside. The strong smell of food or garbage may attract a cougar into your back yard. Feed your pets indoors and keep your garbage securely stored. |
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If you see a cougar... |
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Remember, cougars are very different than bears.
Cougars do not bluff charge. and playing dead is never recommended in a cougar attack. |
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Don't Run.
Cougars are a powerful predator. Running may trigger an attack. |
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Face the Cougar and retreat slowly.
Keep direct eye contact with the cougar while you slowly retreat towards safety. safety tips |
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Look larger than life.
Raise your arms above your head to make yourself look larger than normal. This may help to intimidate the cougar. You may also want to throw rocks and yell at it. Aggression will often scare it off. |
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Pick up your small children.
Cougars will often select smaller prey, such as children or pets. Pick your children up to discourage the attack. |
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Report the sighting.
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