01-21-2008, 09:10 PM
Dave Swenson has patrolled Utah's backcountry for more than 28 years. During that time, the veteran wildlife officer has seen a cougar only five times.
And each time, the cougar was running away from him.<br />
"It's very, very rare to see or come in contact with a cougar," the Division of Wildlife Resources officer says. "Cougars usually go out of their way to avoid people."<br />
Swenson says cougars are also secretive animals. And they usually come out only at night.<br />
While it's very rare to see a cougar, if you do see one, it will probably be in the winter.<br />
"Deer are the main animal that cougars prey on this time of the year," Swenson says. "In the winter, the snow covers the vegetation in the higher country. That forces the deer to travel to lower elevations to find food. And the cougars come right down with them."
Tips<br />
If you live in cougar country, Swenson provides the following tips to lessen the chance that you come in contact with a cougar:<br />
"¢ Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife attracts deer and other animals to your yard that cougars prey on.<br />
"¢ Do not feed pets outside. The food could attract cougars to your yard. And keep your pets indoors at night. Pets are easy prey for cougars.<br />
"¢ Outdoor lighting and motion-sensitive lighting are a deterrent for the secretive cougar. Lights also make cougars that are approaching your home visible.<br />
"¢ Keep a close eye on your children when they're playing outside. And bring them in before dusk. That's when cougars begin to hunt.<br />
"¢ Make your yard deer-proof. If your landscaping is attractive to deer, cougars will follow the deer and stay close to your property...
And each time, the cougar was running away from him.<br />
"It's very, very rare to see or come in contact with a cougar," the Division of Wildlife Resources officer says. "Cougars usually go out of their way to avoid people."<br />
Swenson says cougars are also secretive animals. And they usually come out only at night.<br />
While it's very rare to see a cougar, if you do see one, it will probably be in the winter.<br />
"Deer are the main animal that cougars prey on this time of the year," Swenson says. "In the winter, the snow covers the vegetation in the higher country. That forces the deer to travel to lower elevations to find food. And the cougars come right down with them."
Tips<br />
If you live in cougar country, Swenson provides the following tips to lessen the chance that you come in contact with a cougar:<br />
"¢ Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife attracts deer and other animals to your yard that cougars prey on.<br />
"¢ Do not feed pets outside. The food could attract cougars to your yard. And keep your pets indoors at night. Pets are easy prey for cougars.<br />
"¢ Outdoor lighting and motion-sensitive lighting are a deterrent for the secretive cougar. Lights also make cougars that are approaching your home visible.<br />
"¢ Keep a close eye on your children when they're playing outside. And bring them in before dusk. That's when cougars begin to hunt.<br />
"¢ Make your yard deer-proof. If your landscaping is attractive to deer, cougars will follow the deer and stay close to your property...