Users of Midland Provincial Park are asked to be aware of wildlife.
This comes after a cougar was sighted last week in the park near the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Gerry Bennett, acting area manager for Alberta Environment and Parks says Museum employees caught sight of the cougar on March 24 while they were jogging. Bennett says it is not uncommon for wildlife to be in the area.
“Cougars are animals that live in Alberta and you will run across them where the habitat is suitable,” said Bennett. “It just so happens the Red Deer River Valley is a suitable habitat and you can expect to see them. Now that we have, we just want people to be aware.”
He explains that when the cougar caught sight of the joggers, it bolted, which is how he hopes they would typically behave.
“Given there is an ample natural food source in the area (deer, rabbit) and because the cougar exhibited normal behaviour by bolting, there is no need for concern,” he said. “For the most part, as soon as they hear you coming, they are going to be gone.”
However, due to the close proximity to the museum and walking trails he says the public needs to be aware. Warning signs were posted at the entrance to the Museum and an advisory was posted on the AlbertaParks.ca website.
For more information check out Preventing Conflict with Wildlife.
