Two reports of a cougar sighting has RCMP warning residents to take precautions.
Battlefords RCMP were called to an acreage just to thenorth of Territorial Drive andeast ofthe Fairview area Wednesday at about 7:30 a.m. Two horses that had been injured. The are long scrapes along their backs,sides and legs, according to RCMP.
The owner of thehorses indicated he saw what appeared to be a cougar in the area the night before and believed these injuries were caused by this animal. There was another witness in the areawho indicatedthey had seen an animal that appeared to be a cougar around this same time as well.
The Battlefords RCMPwant the public to be aware and ensure any sightings are reported to the Battlefords Municipal RCMP.
The RCMP also offer a list of precautions to consider.
Travel in groups so as to be less likely tosurprise the animal, and make noise if possible.
Supervise children and pets, keep them close.
If you come into contact with a cougar, do not run, stay calm, stand your ground, do not back down. Back away slowly if you can but do not turn your back. Running away triggers an innate response in cougars that could lead to an attack. Raise your voice and speak firmly, raise your arms and make yourself look larger. Throw something at the animal like a water bottle, just remember not to bend down to pick something up.
If the situation really goes bad and you are attacked, fight back and try to remain on your feet. If you get knocked down get back up.
Be aware that an injured or sick animal may or may not respond differently to these actions.
RCMP say this is the only sighting and alleged attack that have been reported to the Battlefords RCMP to date.
