Cougar Awareness
About Cougars
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- The cougar's primary prey is deer. It will also feed on wild sheep,
elk, rabbits, beaver, raccoons, grouse and occasionally livestock.
- Cougars are most active at dusk and dawn. However, they will roam and
hunt at any time of the day or night and in all seasons.
- During late spring and summer, 1-2 yr old cougars become independent
of their mothers. While attempting to find a home range, these
young cougars may roam widely in search of unoccupied territory.
This is when cougars are most likely to conflict with humans.
Tracks
Cougars have four toes with three distinct lobes present at the base
of the pad. Claws are retractable, so they usually do not leave
imprints.
Generally, cougars travel alone. If tracks show two or more cougars
traveling together, it probably means there is a female with kittens.
If you meet a cougar:
- Never approach a cougar. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable.
- Always give a cougar an avenue to escape.
- Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
- Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
- Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don't crouch down or try to hide. Pick up sticks or branches and wave them around.
