STUDYING COUGARS IN THE CYPRESS HILLS

The Ministry of Environment is carrying out a study of cougars in the Cypress Hills area of Saskatchewan.

The study will provide important information about the density of the cougar population, will help the ministry develop a management plan for cougars and gather data on cougar-livestock interactions.

The study is an extension of one conducted by the University of Alberta in the Cypress Hills on the Alberta side over the past several years. Preliminary results from the Alberta study are already being used to provide information to ranchers concerned about the potential impact cougars may have on their operations.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is a natural environment park that has perfect habitat for cougars and a high population of white-tailed deer, the cougar's main food source. Wildlife management is an important resource tool throughout the province, including in provincial parks. This study will help people understand the role major predators play in controlling other wildlife populations.

Preliminary work has already started. Some cougars that are wearing radio-locater collars have been recaptured and examined and a previously-uncollared female cougar was captured in the Cypress Hills Centre Block on February 15.

The study is expected to wrap up by March 2012.

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For more information, contact:

Michele McEachern
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0412