Cougar Sighting Near Webb Sparks Safety Reminder for Southwest Residents
Stock image of a cougar used for general awareness.
A cougar spotted near Webb last week has prompted renewed attention on wildlife safety across the southwest. The sighting, shared widely on social media, led residents to ask whether conservation officers were aware of the animal’s presence. Officials have confirmed they are monitoring activity in the region and continue to follow up on any specific reports they receive.
Although cougar encounters are uncommon, the province notes that these animals are a natural part of Saskatchewan’s landscape — including here in the southwest — and their presence is not unusual.
Cougars Returning to Their Historic Range
Cougars once lived throughout the Prairies before settlement pushed them into more remote areas. Over the past two decades, they have been steadily expanding back into their former territory. Sightings across Saskatchewan have increased as young animals roam widely in search of new home ranges.
In the southwest, cougars are most often associated with the Cypress Hills region, but individuals can travel long distances. A single sighting near a community usually means the animal is passing through rather than establishing territory.
Cougars tend to move during low‑light hours, which is why most sightings happen at night or early morning.
What Draws Cougars Near Communities
Cougars follow food. Their primary prey is deer, but they will also hunt smaller animals such as raccoons, porcupines, coyotes, rabbits, and occasionally pets or livestock. Yardsites that attract deer—or that provide hiding cover—can unintentionally draw cougars closer to homes.
Feeding wildlife or leaving pet food outdoors can also attract animals that cougars prey on.
How to Respond if You Encounter a Cougar
While cougar attacks on humans are extremely rare, knowing how to react is important:
Do not run. Stand tall and make yourself appear larger.
Make noise. Shout, wave your arms, and throw objects to distract the animal.
Back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the cougar.
If a cougar makes physical contact, fight back. Use anything available as a defensive tool.
Pick up children immediately. Quick movements can trigger a predator response.
If a cougar poses an immediate threat to human safety, call 911.
Aggressive wildlife encounters can also be reported to the Turn In Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1‑800‑667‑7561.
Reducing Attractants Around Your Home or Farm
Residents living in rural areas can lower the chances of attracting cougars by taking a few practical steps:
Avoid feeding wildlife.
Bring pet food indoors and keep pets inside at night when possible.
Remove dense vegetation or brush piles that could serve as hiding cover.
Enclose open spaces under decks or porches.
Keep outbuildings closed.
Use outdoor lighting or motion‑sensitive lights.
Make yardsites less appealing to deer.
Supervise children outdoors, especially near dusk.
Cougars and Livestock
Livestock losses to cougars are rare in Saskatchewan, but producers who experience wildlife‑related damage may be eligible for support through the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.
Landowners also have the legal authority to protect their family, property, and animals if a predator poses a direct threat. Any cougar taken under this authority must be reported to a conservation officer, who will determine how the carcass should be handled.
Staying Informed and Staying Safe
Cougars are secretive animals, and most people will never see one. Still, awareness helps keep rural communities safe. Residents who hike, walk pets, or work outdoors are encouraged to stay alert, make noise, and avoid surprising wildlife.
If additional cougar activity is reported in the region, Gull Lake Events will share updates.
Call to Action
If you spot a cougar near a community, yardsite, or livestock area, report the sighting to local conservation officers. For aggressive wildlife or immediate threats, call 911 or the TIPP line at 1‑800‑667‑7561.
Gull Lake Events
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