Close call with cougar reported in Banff

CALGARY — Wildlife officers are keeping a close eye on the northeast side of the Banff town-site after receiving an anonymous call from someone saying they had to fight off a cougar after it knocked them to the ground.

Late Thursday, dispatchers received the report about the cougar encounter around noon in the industrial compound on the edge of town.

“The person reported being knocked to the ground and then fending off the animal and then departing,” said Bill Hunt, manager of resource conservation for the Banff field unit of Parks Canada.

No injuries were reported and few details were offered by the caller.

As a result, officials haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact location or find any physical evidence of the encounter.

They have put a cougar warning in effect as a precaution.

“We know from camera data that we always do have a number of cougars in and around the townsite, but not with this kind of behaviour,” said Hunt, noting people should be cautious in the area.

It includes the northeast end of the townsite — including the train tracks from the compound to the station, Marmot Crescent, Whiskey Creek and the industrial compound area.

Should you encounter a cougar, Hunt said it’s important to assert yourself. “Just try to look as large and impressive as you can. Make some noise and back away,” he said. Maintaining eye contact is appropriate, he added.