Large Carnivores
Wildlife | Viewing Techniques | Wildlife in Your Backyard | Species Checklist | Fauna Feature Living With Coyotes

Coyotes

Coyotes are permanent residents in many of Calgary’s natural areas, including Fish Creek Provincial Park. Living in close proximity to people means these animals are used to human presence, smells and noises. Their behaviour differs from coyotes inhabiting more isolated areas. For information about how humans can successfully share space with coyotes visit our Living With Coyotes page.

Bears and Cougars

Occasionally, a black bear or cougar follows the Fish Creek Valley east from the foothills into the park. This is not a regular occurrence nor is it necessarily hazardous, but caution should be used. Whenever people visit ANY natural area, including those found within city limits, they should be aware of possible encounters with wildlife. Practicing the following behaviours will lessen the chance of an unwanted encounter with wildlife.

• Stay on marked designated pathways
• Keep children within view at all times
• Keep all pets on a short leash, walking beside you
• Be aware of your surroundings and sounds
• Ensure that natural sounds, such as flowing water, do not mask the
  sound of your approach
• Leave the area immediately if you come across any type of animal kill
• Exercise caution when berry picking
• Keep food and garbage away from wildlife

If you do sight a bear, cougar or signs of these animals’ presence, please report it by telephoning (403) 297-5293. This will enable conservation officers to monitor the animal’s movements and behaviours. It does NOT necessarily mean the animal will be removed from the area.

If you encounter a bear:

• Never Run - you cannot outrun a bear and running may excite the bear and cause an attack.
• Do not harass or chase the bear.
• If bear cubs are in the area, move away from them.
• Slowly back away from the bear; if the bear continues to move toward you, drop your backpack or other belongings - this may distract the bear.
• In an encounter with a non-charging bear or a bear with cubs, you should appear passive; do not raise your voice.
• Call the park office at (403) 297-5293.

For more information about bears view and download the Alberta Parks Bear Smart brochure at http://www.albertaparks.ca/pubsandmedia/BearSmart_Ebook.pdf

If you encounter a cougar:

• Raise your arms or a stick in the air making yourself appear as large as possible.
• Make eye contact, shout, be aggressive, and demonstrate you are dominant.
• Keep small children and pets close by and do not allow them to run.
• Throw rocks and fight back with any available tools.
• Call the park office at (403) 297-5293.

For more information about cougars view and download the brochure Living with Cougars at www.tpr.alberta.ca/parks/cougar

Large Ungulates (Deer, Moose, Elk)

Deer are commonly found throughout the park at all times of the year. Moose and elk are rare visitors that occasionally wander into the park from surrounding wildlands. All large hoofed animals are unpredictable and potentially dangerous, particularly when protecting their young or during mating season. Respect their space and do not disturb them.

Bobcats

These medium sized cats (approximately 15 kg) have increasingly been sited in the park over the past few years. They are capitalizing on good habitat and abundant prey including hares, squirrels, and unattended free-ranging pets. Bobcats are not cougars - they are timid cousins that are significantly smaller and have adapted to live near urban areas. As with all wildlife, respect their space and do not disturb them.

Commonly confused as a cougar, the difference is in the tail - a cougar's tail is very long (half its body length), while a bobcat's tail is a short stub.