Cougar spotted in Leduc: RCMP
Posted August 22, 2023 5:15 pm.
RCMP in Leduc have issued a warning to the public after a cougar was spotted within the town.
Mounties say around 3:25 a.m., they received a report of a sighting of a large cat believed to be a cougar in the wooded area behind the skate park in Leduc.
About an hour later, another sighting of the cougar was reported near 50 Street and 57 Avenue near Telford Lake.
Mounties have since patrolled the area in an effort to try and locate the cougar, but have been unsuccessful.
RCMP say encounters are rare, however that doesn’t mean they won’t happen. If you do encounter a cougar it is recommended that you never turn your back to it or run away. If a cougar is hissing and snarling or staring intently and tracking your movements, make yourself look big and speak loudly.
In addition, if you have not been spotted, gather children and pets in close, slowly and cautiously back away and leave the area.
Never feed any wildlife in order to help prevent cougars and other predators from coming to your neighbourhood.
Lastly RCMP say if the cougar makes contact, fight back and don’t give up.
If you do see a cougar, contact your local police or the 24-hour Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
