NOT the actual cougar alleged to have been seen in Heritage Ranch. (Photo 933262 © Thomas Theodore | Dreamstime.com)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

again in heritage ranch, AND in west par

WATCH: Fish and Wildlife confirms another reported cougar sighting in Red Deer, plus resident possibly sees one in West Park

Aug 3, 2024 | 11:34 AM

UPDATED – Aug. 5, 2024 — Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services (FWES) is confirming another reported cougar sighting within the city of Red Deer.

The department received a report of the alleged July 30 sighting in the Heritage Ranch area.

Though Heritage Ranch is large, this is in the same vicinity where FWES received a report of a sighting on June 29.

“A Fish and Wildlife officer followed up with the resident who reported the sighting while walking their dog on a path near the river,” they say.

“The caller stated that the cat did not exhibit aggressive behaviour and quickly moved on from the area.”

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Another Red Deer resident spoke with rdnewsNOW over the August long weekend, claiming they may have seen a cougar on July 31 around 9:30-10:00 p.m. at 39 Street and 55 Avenue in nearby West Park.

Jasper Mundorf says she was out for a walk with someone looking for her missing cat when they noticed something in a treed area.

Mundorf says she was sure it had jumped down from the tree, ruling out a deer.

“I looked up and shone my light into the trees again, and that’s when my flashlight reflected these two big wide apart eyes staring back at me,” she says.

“I realized they were way too big to be a house cat, so I just stood there shining my light in its eyes, and then I started to realize that it was staring back at me. I could just see the outline of a light-coloured very large body attached to the eyes. Cougar had already crossed my mind, but I was trying to tell myself, ‘No it’s not.'”

Mundorf says she reported it to Alberta Fish and Wildlife.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife says that it is monitoring the situation, and reminds the public that cougar sightings in residential areas can be reported to 1-800-642-3800.

FWES reiterates that cougar sightings are rare, and that the animals are elusive, and typically not found within heavily populated areas.

FWES recommends traveling in groups and carrying some form of protection, such as bear spray. If you see a cougar in the distance, do not run or turn your back. If the cougar appears to be unaware of your presence, gather children and pets in close, slowly and cautiously back away and leave the area. For more information about preventing human-wildlife conflict, visit https://www.alberta.ca/cougars.aspx.

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READ MORE: Alleged cougar sighting in Red Deer on June 29 prompts safety tips from officials

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