A cougar sighting near Webb has prompted a response from the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety after concerns were raised by area residents.
Swift Current Online contacted the ministry after a photo shared on Facebook circulated online showing a cougar near the community.
In a statement, the ministry said conservation officers in southwest Saskatchewan are continuing to monitor cougar activity and investigate any specific reports they receive.
Natural part of the vista
The ministry noted that cougars are a natural part of the landscape throughout many areas of Saskatchewan, including the southwest region. It also clarified that the province does not actively monitor cougar populations.
According to the ministry, cougars have large home ranges, meaning animals spotted in an area are often travelling through established territory or may be young cougars searching for their own range.
Because cougars are primarily nocturnal, sightings are most common at night or during the early morning hours. Their primary prey is deer, although they also hunt coyotes, porcupines and raccoons.
Provincial regulations prohibit feeding cougars, as doing so can habituate the animals to humans and human food sources.
Report aggressive wildlife
The ministry said conflicts between people and cougars are uncommon, as the animals generally avoid human contact. However, residents in areas where cougars may be present are encouraged to remain alert, keep pets on a leash and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife.
Anyone who encounters a cougar posing an immediate threat to human safety should call 911. Aggressive encounters with wildlife can also be reported through the Turn In Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561.