Instructions
Guidelines for Living in Cougar Habitat
Learn about the habits and behavior of cougars. Knowing their behavior provides the best protection for those living in environments where these animals live.
Know your neighborhood and the habitat surrounding your neighborhood. Contact your state fish and wildlife agency to obtain information on wildlife known or likely to inhabit your community.
Deter wildlife from your yard. Use netting or fencing to keep deer or other prey species from your garden. Do not feed any wildlife, including birds, as feed will attract animals cougars may prey upon.
Prune or remove heavy brush and other dense vegetation which cougars may use for hiding.
Keep pets indoors or on a leash. Avoid walking them at dawn and dusk. Feed pets indoors as pet food may attract cougars or their prey.
Fence and protect livestock. Keep them in a barn or shed at night. If there is no barn or shed, keep them in well-lit fenced areas, close to the house.
Install outdoor lighting, preferably with motion sensors, along driveways and walkways.
Keep garbage in secure, animal-proof cans.
Supervise children when they are playing outdoors. Avoid playtime at dawn or dusk, when cougars are actively hunting.
Guidelines for Recreating in Cougar Habitat
Learn about the habits and behavior of cougars. Knowing their behavior provides the best protection for those recreating in environments where these animals live.
Contact your state fish and wildlife agency to obtain information on wildlife known or likely to inhabiting in the areas where you are recreating.
Avoid recreating at dawn and dusk, peak times for cougars hunting. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Recreate in groups and make noise. If alone, carry bear spray or a noisemaker on yourself or with your equipment. Ensure someone knows where you are recreating and when you plan to return home.
Keep pets and children close. Cougars ambush from behind, so ensure your children and pets are ahead of you.
Store food or garbage in animal-proof containers inside your vehicle or hung between two trees, out of reach of cougars and other animals. If camping, sleep at least 100 yards from cooking sites.