Management plan for cougars in Alberta

Abstract

Although widely distributed in southern and western Alberta during early exploration and settlement, cougar numbers were reduced by the turn of this century. This plan is designed to be a blueprint for the future management of cougars in Alberta. Section 2.0 outlines current knowledge of cougar history and biology both in Alberta and in North America generally, and summarizes use of the resource and management efforts to the present day. Section 3.0 recommends goals, objectives, and strategies to ensure the cougar remains an integral part of Alberta's natural environment, and to encourage, at the same time, the wise use of the cougar resource.