Park closed after hikers followed by cougar in Kananaskis Country
Alberta Parks has closed a recreation area in Kananaskis Country after two hikers were followed by a cougar.
Alberta Parks issued an advisory last week, noting that the Highwood Compound Provincial Recreation Area would be closed until further notice.
The closure also affects Gunnery Mountain Trail and Gunnery Creek Trail. The park is located off Highway 541, southwest of Longview, Alta.
'Although an advisory is in place for this area, cougars can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region and at any time,' Alberta Parks said in the advisory.
To avoid surprise encounters with a cougar, officials say to make plenty of noise, travel in groups, be aware of your surroundings and keep pets on a leash.
Cougar sightings can be reported by calling 403-591-7755.
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