It’s likely that most of us who live on Anarchist Mountain have never seen a cougar in the wild or encountered its tracks when out and about exploring our surroundings.
Cougars are the second largest wild cat in the world (the jaguar is the largest), with adults ranging in length from 42 to 54 inches. Adult males can weigh up to 200 pounds, and adult females up to 120 pounds. They are light brown in colour, have a somewhat compact head and a long (up to three feet), thick tail with a black tip at the end. Males typically live 10 to 12 years, with females living a few years longer.
Anarchist Mountain has good habitat for cougars, especially ravines and treed corridors along roadways, ATV trails and between our homes. Den sites can be found in rocky outcroppings, under uprooted trees or standing snags, and in dense thickets of brush.
Cougars are carnivores – meaning they only eat meat – and deer (white-tail and mule) are their favorite food. They are incredibly elusive and solitary animals, except for a mother with her young, which stay with her into their second year. They are active throughout the year and do not hibernate like bears. Both male and female cougars are very territorial. Males can have a home range of 50 to 150 kilometres or more, so if you happen to see one or find tracks its likely just passing through in search of food or a mate.
The cats begin breeding when they are about three years old and may mate during any season of the year. Typical litters of between one to six kittens are born after a gestation period of 82 to 98 days. Kittens are weaned in two to three months time.
Cougars prefer to stay away from people and attacks are very rare. Most encounters involve young animals that have recently been pushed out by their mothers and sick, injured or old animals that aren’t able to hunt wild prey effectively anymore.
Cougars usually leave tracks that make little impact to the ground and on packed soil, they are very difficult, if not impossible, to see. The cats keep their claws retracted most of the time, so claw marks aren’t usually visible in the mud or snow.
Here are some tips for staying safe:
- Cougars are most active between dusk and dawn, so take extra precautions if out and about at this time of day.
- If you do encounter a cougar, KEEP CALM AND NEVER RUN! Try to make yourself look as big as possible and slowly back away, keeping the cougar in view and ensuring you have a clear exit out of the area.
- Should a cougar attack, fight back as hard as you can. NEVER, EVER PLAY DEAD.
- When in your yard, and especially in the back country, make noise, carry bear spray and always keep dogs in control or on a leash.
- Keep small children close by and ensure they know what to do if a cougar is encountered. If a cougar approaches, pick up small children and make sure they don’t try to run away.
- Chickens and livestsock can attract cougars and other predators like bears and coyotes. Ensure both are kept in a secure enclosure and electric fencing is always a good idea.
If you encounter a cougar near your home or in the backcountry, especially if they appear to be acting unusual or aggressive, contact the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
If you have any ideas for future Who’s Who in the Wild articles, please let us know at wildlife@amfrs.ca.
Selena Cole
Vice President & Wildlife Safety Program Lead
Anarchist Mountain Fire Rescue Society