A cougar that hunted and killed an elk in Tunnel Mountain campground in Banff has prompted a warning from Parks Canada to be extra vigilant.
On Wednesday morning (May 15), the wildlife management team responded to a report of a young elk carcass that had been killed by a cougar in the Tunnel Mountain Village 2 campground.
Officials say decisions are made on a case-by-case basis on whether or not to remove a carcass in an attempt to balance safety of people with allowing the predator to take advantage of its kill.
In busy locations, the carcasses are typically removed.
“The carcass was removed from the area early Wednesday morning,” said Cassandra Smyth, a strategic communications advisor for Banff National Park in an email.
The cougar warning applies to Tunnel Mountain Campground and the surrounding area east of Banff Avenue.
It is not uncommon for cougars to kill elk and deer in and around the Banff townsite. There are typically said to be four to six cougars in the Bow Valley area.
Using wildlife corridors around Banff year-round, the wild cats are efficient hunters. Solitary and secretive, cougars can be active any time of day, but most often hunt at dusk, night and dawn.
Smyth said Parks Canada is asking the public to stay alert and exercise extra caution when travelling in the Tunnel Mountain area.
“We also remind the public to continue practicing wildlife safety and do not leave children and pets unsupervised,” she said.
“Please carry bear spray, secure all food and wildlife attractants, keep pets on leash, respect all wildlife closures.”
While Banff is cougar country, encounters with the wild cats are rare in Banff National Park.
There has only been one fatal cougar attack in Alberta. Frances Frost was killed by a cougar in January 2001 as she cross-country skied near Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park.
If you see a cougar
Face the cougar, and retreat slowly – do not run or play dead; try to appear bigger by holding your arms or an object above your head; immediately pick up small children; be aggressive. Shout, wave a stick or throw rocks to deter an attack.
For cougar sightings or fresh signs of any carnivore activity, Parks Canada asks people leave the area immediately and call Banff Park Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
