Banff National Park officials have issued a warning after a cougar was reported frequenting a campground in the park. The alert covers all trails, facilities, and campgrounds in the Tunnel Mountain area. Everyone is asked to practice “special caution” when visiting the area. Visitors are advised to travel in groups, keep everyone together, and be especially cautious when traveling during dawn and dusk. They should travel slowly and avoid wearing ear buds, as these can block out the sounds of wildlife. It is also important to make noise to alert wildlife of your presence, carry bear spray and know how to use it, and keep pets close at all times. Visitors should leave the area if they see or smell a dead animal, and never approach wildlife. If a cougar is encountered, visitors should not approach the animal, but instead face the cougar and retreat slowly. They should not run or play dead, but instead try to appear bigger by holding their arms or an object above their head. Small children should be immediately picked up, and visitors should be aggressive and immediately report their sighting to Banff emergency dispatch at 403-762-1470.
Cougar Warning Issued for Banff National Park
