Living alongside cougars focus of Canmore meeting

Dozens of people gathered for a public information meeting in Canmorerecently to discuss public safety after severalhigh profile cougar attacks in the area.

• Cougar sighting forces trail closure in Canmore
• Banff man says he fought cougar off with skateboard

"Cougars are very good predators when they want to kill something they're very efficient," saidAliah Knopff, awildlife biologist who tracks cougars in Alberta.

She brought her research findings to thepacked lecture theatre on Wednesday night in Canmore.

Knopff says Alberta cougar numbers have been both increasing and their range has been expanding, andit has become an increasing problem to figure out how people and cougars can coexist.

A cougar killed a miniature horse in the Bow Valley in December. That same week, cougars also attackedtwo dogs in the area.

• Rangers hunt for cougar after Bow Valley attacks
• 2 cougars killed in Canmore after attacking local dog

Attacks on humans are rare, buthave happened.

Glenn Naylor, an Alberta conservation officer,says anyone around the mountain areas should be prepared.

"Chances are you will never see one. If you do happen to encounter one don't run. Fight back, use your bear spray," he said.

Dog owners are also advised to keep their pets on leash because even the toughest canines are no match for a cougar.