Most of the time this happens with nobody any the wiser. Cougars are nocturnal, solitary and very good at not being seen, and Canmore sits in the bottom of a valley that wildlife travels along because it is the easy ground. This one only became a story because a camera was pointing at it.

Parks Canada's advice if you meet one: do not approach it. Face it and retreat slowly. Pick up small children straight away. Make yourself look bigger by holding your arms or an object above your head. If it keeps coming, be aggressive - shout, throw something, use your bear spray. Never run, and never play dead. Playing dead is bear advice, and this is the wrong animal.

At home, do not let pets roam, bring them in at night, and keep pet food and rubbish secured.

Carry bear spray year-round. WildSmart notes it deters cougars as well as bears.

Report any sighting. Bow Valley and Kananaskis: 403-591-7755. Banff: 403-762-1470.