Park and wildlife officials are advising people to be cautious when visiting Fish Creek Provincial Park after nearby residents spotted a cougar.
Park Conservation and Fish and Wildlife Officers recommend people avoid the park between Bebo Grove and Marshall Springs, below 146 Ave. S.W., near the southwest community of Evergreen, where the cougar was seen.
Jim Stomp, manager of the park, said sightings were reported on Saturday night, Sunday evening and again Monday night.
Though cougars have been seen in Fish Creek before, Stomp said what is unusual about the cougar is it has been frequenting the area for three days and killed a deer in the park last night.
Officers are patrolling the park and will try to capture the cougar if possible.
Officers suggest people avoid the park at dawn or dusk when cougars are most active, make noise, keep children close to adults and pets on leashes, follow park regulations and carry a stick or pepper spray as a deterrent.
If visitors encounter a cougar, they should raise their arms or a stick in the air to appear as large as possible, make eye contact, shout, be aggressive and show dominance, throw rocks or fight back with any available tools and call the park office at 297-5293.
The animal has not shown any aggression towards people.
