Source: Joey Donnelly, Swift Current Online, March 17, 2016
In Saskatchewan, cougars are a natural part of the landscape, especially in the Cypress Hills region.
Although chances of seeing a cougar are slim, you need to be aware of their existence in the area and practice caution and safety when outdoors.
According to the Ministry of Environment, if you encounter a cougar, do not run. Stand up, make yourself look big, shout loudly and throw something to distract the animal.
Back away to a safe distance and maintain eye contact.
If a cougar does make contact, fight back, use any weapon that you can and don’t give up. Never play dead with a cougar. After the animal has left, keep watching for it until you reach safety.
Any aggressive encounter should be reported to your local Ministry of Environment office, or call the TIP line at 1-800-667-7561, or call #5555 on your SaskTel cell phone.