Client Concern
A resident of the Bragg Creek area contacted us after hearing loud vocalizations behind her home during the night, which she believed to be a cougar scream. She was concerned that a large predator might be lingering near her property, particularly during nighttime hours.
Site Investigation
Upon arrival, the homeowner was not present; however, two dogs were inside the residence. The property backs onto a forested area. I conducted a thorough inspection of the yard and a significant portion of the adjacent forest, focusing on identifying cougar tracks, prey remains, or cached carcasses.
Cougars are often drawn into residential areas by ungulates, such as deer seeking refuge from predators. When a cougar makes a kill, it typically caches the carcass by covering it with forest debris such as fallen leaves. These caches, imperfectly concealed with parts of the carcass visible, can pose a serious safety risk if people unknowingly approach them.
No evidence of cougar activity or cached prey was found. However, the area showed heavy deer use, indicated by multiple wildlife trails and abundant deer droppings, confirming the presence of prey species that could attract large predators.
Risk Assessment and Client Consultation
After completing the investigation, I discussed my findings with the homeowner. I explained that cougars are known to inhabit the Bragg Creek area and that the deer frequenting the forest behind her home—and occasionally her yard—could attract predators. She confirmed regular deer sightings from her window.
I further explained that although I did not find any signs of cougar activity in her yard and the forested and the vocalization she heard might have come from coyotes not just a cougar. I also emphasized that the dense forest provides effective cover for cougars or bears to approach residential properties unnoticed.
Recommendations Provided
Until predator presence could be conclusively ruled out, the homeowner was advised to carry bear spray when outdoors at night, and potentially during the day, as the property is relatively isolated. Bear spray is effective against a wide range of aggressive wildlife.
Dogs should never be left outside unattended, as cougars are known to prey on domestic dogs, and coyotes also pose a risk.
Motion-activated wildlife cameras should be installed to monitor animal activity around the property.
A noise deterrent device should be placed at the edge of the treed area behind the house where the vocalizations were reportedly heard coming from.
Outdoor lighting should be activated when suspicious noises are heard. Installation of motion-sensor lights were recommended for both the front and rear of the residence as an effective deterrent.
When entering the forested area behind the home, the homeowner should carry bear spray and keep dogs leashed at all times.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
The homeowner opted to install wildlife cameras and a noise deterrent for a one-month monitoring period. During this time, only deer were recorded on the cameras. The noise deterrent was triggered several times at night, primarily by deer.
After two weeks, I conducted a follow-up inspection of the yard and forested area and again found no evidence of cougar activity. At the end of the monitoring period, I offered the homeowner the option to purchase the noise deterrent; however, as no further predator vocalizations were heard and no signs of cougar or coyote presence were detected, she declined. During a subsequent follow-up call, she confirmed that motion-activated lights had been installed around the home.
Outcome
The client reported significant relief following the assessment and monitoring period. I reiterated that her home is located within established cougar and bear habitat and that large predators may occasionally pass through or approach the property. Continued awareness of wildlife signs and heightened vigilance during nighttime hours were strongly recommended to ensure her safety and that of her pets.
I also offered ongoing support and services should any future wildlife concerns arise.