Residents on edge as cougar sightings in Rocky Ridge continue

While locals express concerns about the big cat, with some requesting its removal, wildlife officials say the animal hadn't exhibited aggressive behaviour

Residents of the northwest community of Rocky Ridge are being urged to keep a close eye on their young children and pets after cougar sightings there extended into a second week. In the early morning of last July 10, Ashley Leung and her boyfriend were on their way home from the airport when they spotted a cougar walking across Rocky Ridge Green N.W. and photographed the animal as it sat between two houses on that street. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services said at that time they were aware of the cougar’s presence in the area as confirmed by Leung’s photos.

On Tuesday evening, residents posting on the neighbourhood Facebook page reported seeing one of the big cats walking on or near a paved pathway just south of Rocky Ridge Dr. N.W. popular with dog walkers and those enjoying panoramic views of the city and mountains. Others said family members had spotted a cougar near the area’s Calgary Co-op store. At least one person on the webpage found the accounts hard to believe.

“Someone must be doing Fireball shots on their back patio,” said one man. But others expressed concern, particularly for pets and small children. “It needs to be relocated!

Too many small kids and pets around,” said one woman. Local urged to take precautions But Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services said they won’t be taking action because there’s no urgency to do so. “After reviewing the complainant’s submitted photo and video, fish and wildlife officers confirmed the validity of the report but noted that the cougar was not exhibiting aggressive behaviour,” Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services stated in an email.

“As of July 15, FWES has not confirmed any additional sightings.” Nonetheless, they urged residents to supervise their pets and report any sightings to wildlife officials. One of those who claimed to have seen a cougar on Tuesday said she did make a report.

The neighbourhood on the city’s far northwest corner is bordered by woodlands and natural ponds and is frequented by bobcats, porcupines, coyotes and even moose. On Wednesday, the area’s homeowners’ association issued an email advisory on the presence of a cougar in the neighbourhood. “Rocky Ridge is fortunate to be surrounded by Alberta’s beautiful natural environment,” it stated.

‘Cougars are a natural part of Alberta’s environment’ “Cougars are a natural part of Alberta’s environment and sightings are uncommon.” It goes on to list a number of precautions residents can take such as ensuring small children are kept close and within sight, pets are leashed, headphones are avoided to maintain awareness and staying on well-used paths and to be with others. They’re also being told to reduce wildlife attractants and to store garbage in a garage or shed.

While cougars prefer such larger prey as deer, wildlife experts say, they are also known to act opportunistically by eating pets or wild hares that are in abundant supply in Calgary but are generally afraid of humans. If a cougar is encountered, residents are advised to make themselves “look as large as possible, speak firmly and back away slowly.” Anyone who spots a cougar or other large mammal in an urban setting is asked to call the Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 or online at alberta.ca/report-poacher.

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