Cougar activity has increased in Jasper National Park, as reported sightings have been on the rise. 

Jasper National Park reported a cougar kill found on July 26 near Pyramid Lake. The cougar had killed an elk by the lake.

According to Kim Weir, Fire Communications Specialist with Jasper National Park, a Parks Canada staff member found the cougar with its kill.

“The cougar walked away from the kill and the staff member walked away from the kill, and the staff member walked away from the area. Our staff went back a little bit later and the cougar was still in the area. They hazed it out of the area and then took the carcass away. They did monitor the area for a while,” Weir said.

In an unrelated incident, a Hinton resident reportedly witnessed a cougar attack on a dog July 1, with another sighting July 3. Hinton Fish and Wildlife officers have put warning signs in place and tracking dogs were out, but could not trace the cougar. 

Fish and Wildlife asked that if anyone comes across signs of a cougar to report it by calling 780-865-8264, and to keep all pets on a leash when out on the trails.

Weir explained that if anyone comes across a cougar kill to leave the area immediately. “In this circumstance the cougar was with the kill. But we would advise anyone who comes across a dead animal to retreat immediately, get out of that area immediately, just because of the natural process of things, there is likely going to be a carnivore of some sort around that animal,” she said.

Carnivores are likely to be near the animal and it is a potentially dangerous situation that humans should not interfere with.

Weir also said that if you come across a cougar or bear to give the animal an avenue of escape in case they are feeling threatened or trapped.

“If the cougar reacts aggressively then you want to try and convince the cougar in any way that you are not prey. Shout, wave sticks, throw rocks, use pepper spray, anything.”

Wes Bradford, Human Wildlife Specialist with Jasper National Park said that they have never done a real cougar study, but that he suspects they have less than a quarter of what Banff National Park has. “If we have 20 cats that’s a lot for us.”