Albertans are being reminded to take preventative measures when visiting cougar habitat following an incident in Kananaskis Country over the August long weekend.

On July 31, a six-year-old child was attacked by a cougar while walking with her family on a trail in the Barrier Lake Day Use area of Bow Valley Provincial Park. The child sustained minor cuts and puncture wounds before her family was able to chase the animal away.

When the incident was reported the following day, the Barrier Lake Day Use area was promptly closed and evacuated. Conservation Officers continue to investigate. The cougar involved in the attack has been put down.

While cougar attacks are rare, the public can limit human-cougar encounters by taking these actions:

- Stay calm and keep the cougar in view. Pick up children immediately. Back away slowly, ensuring that the animal has a clear avenue of escape. Make yourself look as large as possible. Keep the cougar in front of you at all times.

- Never run or turn your back on a cougar. Sudden movement may provoke an attack.

- If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively. Maintain eye contact, show your teeth and make loud noises. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons.  When picking up objects, crouch down as little as possible.

- If a cougar attacks, fight back. Convince the cougar you are a threat and not prey. Use anything you can as a weapon. Focus your attack on the cougar's face and eyes.

Further safety information is available at www.srd.alberta.ca/RecreationPublicUse/CougarsOutdoorRecreation/Default.aspx.