Recent cougar sightings within the Fort McMurray area have Alberta Fish and Wildlife officials investigating whether the cats are a threat in the area. So far sightings of cougars in the Fort McMurray vicinity have all been unconfirmed but it is possible given the remote location of the town and the natural habitat in the surrounding area that would provide everything the wild cats would need to thrive. The latest sighting about cougars was reported on Thursday in the afternoon, and the location of the sighting was a little disturbing. Apparently the cat was spotted close to the Thickwood Heights School on the Birchwood Trails. Residents have been warned to keep their guard up and to kep an eye out for any suspicious animals in the area but the sighting has not been confirmed by officials yet. When police responded there was no sign of any cougars in the area.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Brendan Cox discussed the Fort McMurray sightings of cougars and explained that “The cougar was reported to be on the playground that’s shared by Thickwood Heights and the adjacent school. The officer attended the scene, but did not find any sign of the cougar. Our officer is going to continue to monitor the situation, and if anyone does see a cougar please report it.” It is not unusual for cougars to be sighted in Northern Alberta. Brendan Cox said “In recent years we’ve seen cougars in a lot of places where they typically hadn’t been seen in years past. That would, I guess, indicate a healthy cougar population.”