Living in the Bow Valley means wildproofing your property.

Patios and crawl spaces under sheds or stairs are attractive hiding or denning places for cougars, foxes, bears, coyotes, and other animals. Proactive prevention is the best way to keep carnivores from taking up residence in your residence.

Blocking holes and covering access to hiding places will keep your pets and neighbours safe, and could prevent the need to relocate or kill habituated wild animals.

Spring is the best time to wild-proof your property, with an extra check before winter.

Follow these tips to avoid attracting animal guests:

1. Board up open spaces under decks or patios or close them off with durable wire mesh.

2. Install motion-activated security lights if possible. They may help frighten away carnivores.

3. Keep cats indoors and bring dogs inside at night. If your dog is outside unsupervised in the day, make sure they’re in a secure, covered kennel.

4. If you see a cougar or other wildlife in the Banff town site, call Parks Canada at 403-762-1470. To report a cougar or other aggressive wildlife in Canmore, call Kananaskis Emergency Services 403-591-7755