The Conservation Officer Service is once again warning residents to keep an eye out for children and pets in the wake of elevated cougar sightings.
Since last week, there have been several sightings in Brackendale, however it's not yet known how many cougars are in the area.
"It might only be one or a couple," said conservation officer Chris Doyle.
What is known is cougars in Brackendale as well as in Valleycliffe and Loggers Lane are showing uncharacteristically brazen behaviour by entering populated areas.
"It shows some level of habituation," said Doyle.
He added it's presumed they're seeking out domesticated animals for prey.
"Looks like younger cats have been interested in or preying on domestic animals, or at lest demonstrating predacious behaviour. As far as we know no domestic animals were killed or attacked, but there seem so be an interest."
Doyle is asking residents to keep an eye out for their pets and children, especially around early morning and late evening.
"Try to keep animals in at night if you can and report any sightings to us."
RCMP Cpl. Dave Ritchie is warning parents to keep an eye on children who may be wandering into hidden areas to pick blackberries.
"It's blackberry season, we don't want young kids out in the bushes," said Ritchie.
Since the unusually high incidents of cougar sightings and conflicts last June, the incidences of cats in populated areas have resumed normal levels, said Doyle.
The Conservation Officer Service hasn't had the opportunity or the need to undertake tracking and trapping measures so far, said Doyle, but that may change.
"We're taking each sighting and determining whether we need to respond to track the cougar down," he said. "Thus far we haven't due to either the nature of the complaint or the circumstances of the complaint or it wouldn't be a practical exercise to try and track the cougar down. But the more information we get, the better. Certainly if there's a need to attempt to capture the animal, we will."
Anyone spotting a cougar is asked to call the Report A Polluter or Poacher line at 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on a cell phone.
