Ben Morgan
Northern News Services
Published Monday, Wednesday, June 25, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Parker Park has reopened to the public after a cougar sighting caused it to close last week.

Over the holiday weekend, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) received additional reports of sightings that matched the description of a cougar but the sightings were unconfirmed.

Residents reported seeing a cougar near the old Ptarmigan Mine, on the Ingraham trail, on Saturday evening.

A second reported sighting took place near Giant Mine, on Sunday evening.

In both cases the animal appeared to flee when spotted.

Cougars are uncommon in this region of Canada.

Any wildlife sightings can be reported to the wildlife emergency line.

Officials with ENR are reminding people to treat animals with respect. They also recommend parents maintain appropriate precautions by encouraging their children to play in supervised groups.

As well, they suggest keeping pets and pet food inside.

A baited bear trap and a remote camera at Parker Park were removed on Tuesday by department officials.

The facility is now back to normal operations.

No evidence of a cougar was found at the park.