Cara Loverock
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, June 18, 2008

YELLOWKNIFE - Two Yellowknifers reported seeing a cougar during a bike ride Monday on Fiddler's Road.

The North Slave office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) said the residents' description was that of a cougar, but there are no tracks or photos to confirm the report.

Raymond Bourget, Senior Wildlife Officer for the North Slave Region with ENR, said the cougar was spotted about 15 minutes up the road by bicycle between Kam Lake and the sewage lagoon.

"There's nothing to corroborate. Their description certainly matches what could be described as a cougar," said Bourget.

"(Cougars) aren't common here at all. We have had reports in the past, but it's not a common occurrence."

Bourget said the response of the cougar and that the people became aware of it when it ran away would indicate it is not a threat.

"We're just letting the public know," said Bourget. "We don't feel there is any threat to public safety but we do want people to be aware."

Cougars will prey on pets, such as dogs and cats, which should be kept in covered cages if left outside. Small children could also be easily preyed upon and should not be left alone to play in locations where cougars may be, especially at dusk or dawn.

If encountering a cougar ENR guidelines for safety recommend staying calm, raising your arms to make yourself appear larger and slowly back away while yelling. Do not turn your backing or run from a cougar or make direct eye contact, as this will be perceived as a threat. Finally, if an individual is attacked it is recommended they fight back whiletrying to keep the cougar from getting behind them.

If people see cougars, or wildlife such as bears, coyotes, or wolverines in the city they should contact the ENR department.