Excellent camera work by this man driving with his dog down a snowy road in central Alberta who detected movement in field and managed to slow down his vehicle and pull out his phone in time to capture mountain lion in full sprint leap a fence and bound across the highway before disappearing into a thick forested area.
“Be safe near Alsike area, as our other neighbor had a cat and 3 kittens on his property right north of us walking distance last month! Cougars are out!”
Tough to tell if this mountain lion was just in a hurry to get across the road in hot pursuit of its next meal, possibly even a turkey? According to provincial statements, the mountain lion population in Alberta is estimated to be around 2,000 individual as of late 2024 and 2025 and has grown significantly over the past several decades, expanding both in numbers and geographic distribution, especially into the foothills, boreal forest, and mountain regions. Sightings like this are not entirely uncommon but getting crystal clear video of these elusive apex predators certainly is.
Thankfully the man his and his K9 companion witnessed the encounter from the safety of their car and were in no immediate danger but if you come across on mountain lion on foot its important to know what to do. Learn more about mountain lion safety below.
Alberta Cougar Encounter Safety Guidelines:
If you see a cougar in the distance
- Do not run or turn your back.
- If the cougar appears to be unaware of your presence, gather children and pets in close, slowly and cautiously back away and leave the area.
If you see a cougar in your backyard
- Ensure that all people and pets are brought inside.
- Give the cougar enough space to leave the yard.
- Notify your neighbours, and the nearest Fish and Wildlife office.
If the cougar is close
If a cougar is close and showing aggressive behaviour (hissing and snarling or staring intently or tracking movements):
- Do not run and do not play dead.
- Bring your children and pets in close.
- Show the cougar that you are not easy prey by making yourself look big and speaking loudly.
- If the cougar makes contact, fight back and don’t give up. Use all means at your disposal. Hit the cougar in the face with rocks, sticks or your fists. Don’t stop. If you get knocked down, get back up. Use your bear spray.
