An emergency alert was issued for residents of Magrath on Thursday morning after a cougar was spotted within the southern Alberta town’s trail system.
The Alberta Emergency Alert was issued at the request of town officials just before 11 a.m., categorizing it as “an alert for a dangerous animal.”
“A cougar has been reported seen on the Magrath trail,” the town said in a post on its Facebook page. “Avoid the area (and) keep pets on a leash or confined.”
The areas covered by the alert include the Magrath nature trail, campground and Jubilee Park fish pond.
On Thursday afternoon, James Suffredine, the town’s chief administrative officer, said personnel had been deployed to the area but the cougar had not been spotted again. He said signage is being put up to advise visitors of the sighting.
Town officials said residents can click here for the latest updates.