Frequently Asked Questions

 A relocation is when an animal is moved to an area within its home range or territory. 

A translocation is when an animal is moved to an area outside of its home range or territory.  

Moving cougars in order to reduce depredation events or harassment of domestic animals is not a primary tool that wildlife managers use to solve conflicts. 

There is no guarantee that a translocated cougar that has depredated in one area will not resort to depredation in another area, especially if the animal is desperate and confused in an unfamiliar territory where it may face threats from resident cougars.

California: In California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is authorized to move a cougar to the nearest suitable habitat only when it poses no threat to public safety.  

Natural food resources can be much more limited than those accidentally or intentionally provided by people. Easily accessible food is a very powerful attractant.

Avoid leaving pets and hobby livestock unattended, especially around sunrise, sunset, and at night when many wild animals including cougars are most active. Use cougar-proof animal enclosures for unattended pets and livestock. If you have a large number of animals and it is not practical to keep them in an enclosure at night, consider using livestock guardian dogs. 

If the death of a domestic animal occurs, promptly and properly dispose of the remains, as cougars may return in the following days to feed on an animal they have killed.

Don’t feed wildlife. Feeding wild animals habituates them to seeking-out humans as food resources, which can lead to dangerous encounters for humans and habituated animals. Wildlife are not pets, and wild animals looking for food can become a nuisance or exhibit aggression. Similarly, humans who do not want wildlife approaching them can pose a threat to the animals seeking food. Cougar prey species like deer, raccoons, and other animals that become conditioned to being fed by humans can be strong attractants to cougars seeking easy, predictable meals.

Pet food and water should not be left outside unattended. Pet food represents an easy meal to many wildlife species. Consider feeding and watering pets while indoors. If you store pet food outside, make sure it is inaccessible to wildlife. 

Pick up fallen fruit from fruit trees in your yard and make sure no wild animals can raid your vegetable garden.

Secure trash and compost piles. Cougars may not raid your trash bin, but unsecured trash and compost piles often attract rodents and predators that prey on them. The activity of other wildlife may cause a cougar to investigate. Cleanliness can prevent this. 

Reduce deer activity around your property by deer-proofing your yard. Cougars are deer specialists, so the presence of deer may attract cougars to an area as well. Plants that deer love to eat will invite them to visit and linger near your home. Repellant landscaping or fencing can encourage deer to move on.

It is always risky to leave domestic animals outside unattended – predators represent only one of many types of risks. The domestication process has made our pets and hobby animals behaviorally and physically defenseless against predators compared to wild animals. 

Keeping domestic animals inside is the best preventative measure to ensure their safety. If they must be outside, avoid leaving them unattended, especially at night and around dawn and dusk when many predators are most active. 

There are easily-constructed and affordable enclosures for dogs and cats (“catios”) that can be built from kits or from scratch if you want to give your pets access to the outdoors but cannot keep an eye on them. 

Yes. Open areas without places to hide are naturally risky for wildlife, therefore, reducing possible cover objects through strategic landscaping can serve as a deterrent for cougars and their prey.

1. Trim vegetation above the ground. Communities in Southern California have successfully reduced conflicts with predators by trimming hedges 2-3 feet off the ground.
2. Keep hedges away from houses. This helps deter cougar prey species from making a backyard their home, and maintains the recommended 100 feet of Defensible Space around the home for wildfire readiness.
3. Reduce backyard clutter. This will eliminate spaces where wildlife can take refuge and will encourage cougars and their prey to move on.
4. Pick up fallen fruit from fruit trees. Fruit is a highly sought-after food resource and will attract many species that are natural prey to cougars such as raccoons and coyotes. 
5. Remove and avoid planting vegetation that deer prefer. Plants that deer love to eat will invite deer to linger near your home, and cougars are deer hunting specialists. Repellant landscaping or fencing can encourage deer to move on. 

No, not just any dog can be used to guard livestock from cougars and other predators. 

Specific livestock guardian dog (LGD) breeds were developed to have the physical endurance and behaviors necessary for the task. Even individuals within these breeds may not be suitable if improperly trained, or if their temperament is too docile, as is often the case within pet lines of these breeds. Similarly, overly aggressive dogs with high prey drives are not suitable. The key is striking a balance between an LGD’s responsiveness to novel stimuli (attentiveness), submissiveness toward livestock (trustworthiness), and aggressiveness toward predator species (protectiveness).  

Established LGD breeds in North America include Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherds, Akbash, Komondors, and Maremmas. LGDs can be mixed-breeds, but if any non-LGD traits are observed in an individual, there’s a good chance the dog is mixed with a non-LGD breed and is unsuitable for guarding livestock. There are specific physical characteristics to note when considering effective livestock guardian dogs. For example, LGDs with droopy eyelids are more vulnerable to injury from vegetation, and those with pink gums are more prone to early onset cancers. Also, because LGDs are large dog breeds, special emphasis should be placed on proper conformation, as these breeds are prone to joint issues.

For a comprehensive check-list on selecting LGD puppies, please consult this guide.   

A livestock guardian dog (LGD) and their owner can be set up for successful training and implementation before the first commands and behaviors are ever taught. It is essential that LGDs come from reputable breeders of working LGD dogs, and that knowledgeable puppy selection is implemented before bringing home a new dog. There are many resources with information about suitable LGD puppy temperament, and helpful guides for selecting the appropriate breed and sex for specific livestock guardian requirements.

The training process of LGDs requires more knowledge than basic obedience training instilled in other breeds for other living situations. Many LGD breeders and trainers recommend puppies be imprinted on livestock (particularly the species they'll grow to protect) while whelping. It's also important to select and train dogs with low prey-drive, and to teach confidence and independence, as LGDs will often work without the supervision of their owners. One of the most important factors in LGD training is the development of a bond between the dog and the livestock it is tasked with guarding.

While the cost may vary based on geographic location, the initial cost of a livestock guardian dog (LGD) puppy can be upwards of $500. You can also expect to pay around $950 annually for food, veterinary bills, and other associated LGD expenses. 

Livestock guardian dogs represent one of the most effective deterrents against depredation, especially in circumstances with domestic animals that cannot be kept in enclosures. 

Not usually. Common alternatives to livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are donkeys and llamas, whose specific anti-predator defense strategies are much less effective against cougars than those of LGDs. 

For example, llamas are often known to flee from cougars rather than confront them, and are frequently lost to depredation according to annual reporting. The presence of these alternative guardian species may even attract rather than deter cougars.

Research suggests that motion-activated aversive visual stimuli such as strobe lights are not effective at deterring cougars in a commercial livestock setting or residential settings. However, motion-activated lights can be very useful in preventing conflicts by providing humans with nighttime visibility.

It is important to note that even if most cougars will avoid nighttime light sources, a cougar may still risk using permanently- or intermittently-lit areas if a strong enough attractant is present. For this reason, it’s important that the use of deterrent lighting is paired with more effective coexistence tools.

Playing radios and leaving televisions turned-on outdoors are not effective conflict prevention measures. There is much we do not understand about the use of deterrence devices, and more research is needed for finding effective solutions. 

Combining motion-activated light and audio devices are rarely effective at deterring cougars. These stimuli, if used, should be combined with other exclusionary strategies such as cougar-proof enclosures and/or livestock guardian dogs to prevent conflicts.  

Practice good husbandry by housing animals in cougar-proof enclosures from dusk until dawn, during other low-light conditions, and when animals are unattended. Whether you are retrofitting an existing structure or building one from scratch, cougar-proofing a domestic animal enclosure is simple and well-worth the reasonable cost of supplies. 

If you have animals such as alpacas, llamas, pigs, fowl, sheep, or goats, it is recommended that they be housed in a fully enclosed, roofed structure, rather than in an open-air, fenced-in enclosure, as wild predators may be able to jump, dig, or climb into an area with only simple fencing. 

Before cougar-proofing an enclosure, think about the needs of the species and number of animals you will house, your husbandry practices and limitations, the social dynamics between your animals, the structure requirements for providing adequate shelter from the elements, and how to exclude the predators in your area. 

Exclude climbing predators like cougars with 11-gauge or thicker chain-link fencing. The diamond design of chain-link is much more difficult for predators to climb than vertically-aligned fencing. 

Cougars can fit through very small spaces. Gaps greater than 4 inches are possible entry points, and reduce security by allowing enclosed animals to poke their heads outside. Wrap metal wire every 4 inches to secure fencing to the enclosure’s main infrastructure. This binds structure elements very strongly so there are no breaking points or large holes. 

The roof of the enclosure should be able to support about 200 lbs of weight to provide adequate defense against possible cougar intruders.  

Avoid building enclosures near trees or structures, if you can. Cougars can use these features like ladders to access roofs and other entry points.

Secure enclosure doors with a welded chain and “quick link” lock, which can be easily opened and closed without keys or combination codes. Never use a padlock in wildfire-prone areas unless absolutely necessary for security purposes. Keys can be easily misplaced during an emergency.

Add a tarp or weather-proof cover to your enclosure. Animals need protection from the elements, so your enclosure should provide shade and some insulation. 

Get animals accustomed to using their enclosure. To acquaint your animals with a new enclosure, try coupling an auditory cue like a bell with their favorite treat, then pair the sound of the bell with your animal entering the enclosure. 

To exclude coyotes and foxes, which can dig under enclosures, use a rubber mat as enclosure flooring, or bury excess fencing 1 to 2 ft underground as a skirt around the enclosure. 

For more information about cougar-proofing your animal enclosures, you can browse the Cougar Conservancy website for additional resources. We are happy to provide recommendations for retrofitting existing structures and for new enclosure construction. You can also contact us by calling 1-800- 930-1087 or by emailing director@cougarconservancy.org. 

Electric fencing on its own is not sufficient for cougar conflict prevention. Research in a commercial livestock setting suggested that electric fencing is only moderately successful when permanently installed, and is even less effective when utilized temporarily. The only time an electric fence is practical for deterring cougars is when placed around a fully-enclosed structure. Using electric fences around property boundaries is ineffective; cougars can, and do, simply jump over them (Lotz, M. 2021. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, personal communication). 

Aversive conditioning refers to the long-term process of reducing the likelihood of unwanted behaviors in animals by associating those behaviors with a negative stimulus or experience. Strategies that may be used as part of aversive conditioning for cougars include removing carcasses cougars have cached in undesirable areas, tranquilization and relocation, and shooting bean bags at cougars to cause discomfort but not injury. This can teach cougars to associate people with stress that they may prefer to avoid. 

Aversive conditioning is most effective when it is implemented prior to the establishment of substantial rewards for the unwanted behavior. When a cougar makes a kill in a residential area and their food cache is not immediately removed, the cougar may become more accustomed to people by finding the reward of the cache outweighs the risk of encountering humans. If a cougar has already formed unwanted habits, aversive conditioning may be less effective. A long-term study conducted in Colorado found that adult female cougars that frequented the urban interface were the least-affected by aversive conditioning.

Individual animals also vary significantly in their responses to aversive conditioning, just as individual people can respond uniquely to stressful situations. When considering aversive conditioning to mitigate conflict, it is important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Aversive conditioning protocols should be developed with specific regard to context, individual history, and situational circumstances.

Hazing is a type of aversive conditioning. It is used as a short-term response to wildlife representing an immediate threat to humans or domestic animals in undesirable areas. Hazing stresses, but does not injure, the animal being hazed. For example, implementing loud noises, visual displays of strength and size, rock-throwing, bear spray, or the use of non-lethal mechanized projectiles (such as paintball guns and bean bag launchers) are common hazing strategies, for reducing conflict with bears in campgrounds. 

If a cougar is encountered on a trail or near a home, hazing is a completely appropriate response that can protect both yourself and the cougar from possible negative repercussions. Face the cougar. Do not turn your back on a cougar or bend down to make yourself smaller. Raise your arms and clap while yelling to appear intimidating. Throw rocks or sticks at the cougar to send the message that approaching you would be a bad idea. Cougars are intelligent animals and prefer conflict avoidance – they will take the hint under most circumstances. 

Like many of us, cougars tend to avoid confrontation. While cougar attacks are extremely rare, it is important to take preventative measures while recreating in cougar habitat to ensure your own safety as well as that of the cougars and wildlife you share space with. 

1. Recreate during daylight hours. Observe park recreation hours with closures from sunset to sunrise. Cougars are not the only species that become more nocturnal in areas with high human activity. Natural areas should be human-free at dawn, dusk, and nighttime to minimize the disturbance of wildlife. 
2. Be aware of your surroundings when hiking, running, jogging, or bicycling in cougar habitat. The use of earphones impairs the ability to hear wildlife that may be nearby. Remember that choosing to recreate in wild areas is choosing to recreate in cougars’ backyards.
3. Stay on marked trails. This will minimize stress on cougars and other wildlife, therefore reducing the chances of human-wildlife conflict. This is especially important during spring and summer months when many wild animals are tending to their young. Like humans, wild animals will try to protect their young from direct or perceived threats. The best way to not appear threatening is to not invade their spaces.
4. Hike in groups and make noise. Announce your presence to wildlife in the area by singing, talking loudly, or clapping your hands around blind turns. This will give cougars and other wildlife the opportunity to move away from you.
5. Supervise children and make sure they stay close to adults. Inform children on how to safely recreate in cougar habitat. Adults can ensure that children don’t disrupt wildlife by giving them clear instructions and by setting a good example.
6. Do not approach an animal carcass. If you see a dead animal while hiking, don’t go near it, as it is a source of food for wild predators and can indicate that a cougar is nearby. It is best to move-on to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
7. Consider leaving pets at home. Pets can damage natural habitat, injure wildlife, and become injured themselves if confrontation occurs. Improper disposal of pet waste in recreational areas can spread disease and decrease environmental quality. If you do choose to bring your dogs on the trail, keep them on a leash less than 6ft long. Off-leash dogs stress wildlife. It is never okay to let your dogs chase wild animals. Keeping your dogs close to you will prevent them going off trail and getting into trouble.
8. Consider carrying an air horn or bear spray. An airhorn can be used to deter a cougar away from an area. Bear spray is another form of protection that can be effective if you know how to use it. Always familiarize yourself with your tools BEFORE going out on the trail, so that in the event of an encounter, you are prepared to use them. 

You can keep your dog safe (and prevent damage and stress to natural habitats and wildlife) by walking them on a leash no longer than 6 ft. Extendable leashes, especially those longer than 6 ft in length, remove control from humans, and are not as effective at keeping dogs close to their people. Your ability to control an emergency situation is critical for the safety of you, your pets, and wildlife.

1. It is never okay to let your dog chase wild animals. Off-leash dogs are more likely to be injured and to cause injury if confrontation with wildlife occurs. Keeping dogs close to you will prevent them from going off the trail and getting into trouble.

Improper disposal of pet waste in recreational areas can also spread disease and decrease environmental quality. Remember, “leave no trace.”

Wild animals that occasionally act as unwanted guests in and near our homes, such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, and rodents, cannot legally be relocated [in Calfornia], so people should understand that calling a removal specialist for these species most often means calling an exterminator. 

The most effective and long-term methods for reducing conflicts with wildlife are removing attractants from your property and implementing exclusionary measures to prevent their entry when necessary. Removing individual animals, whether by killing or moving them, will not solve the problem if attractants are not eliminated. Lingering attractants mean other animals will soon be attracted as well.

There are measures people can take on their own to humanely encourage wild animals to move on, and there are organizations dedicated to connecting people with the resources they need to coexist. 

California Resources: WildCare is based near San Francisco and their mission is to help people humanely navigate interactions with wildlife to improve our ability to live side-by-side. You can access guides on how to coexist with specific species online through www.discoverwildcare.org. Their solutions specialist can be reached through their hotline: (415) 456-7283. 

Wildlife Care of Southern California and California Wildlife Center are organizations that provide similar resources that serve communities in the southern region of the state. Learn more at www.wildlifecareofventura.org and www.cawildlife.org.