LAKE LOUISE, ALTA. – In a startling incident at Banff National Park, a cougar attack occurred on the Rockbound Lake trailhead, resulting in minor injuries to one person. EMS crews swiftly responded to the scene around 11 a.m. on Monday, following reports of the attack, as confirmed by Alberta Health Services.
Upon arrival, EMS took charge of an adult patient who had already received care from Parks Canada officials. Stuart Brideaux, a public education officer, stated in an emailed statement on Tuesday that the patient had sustained fortunately minor soft tissue injuries. They were transported to Canmore Hospital in stable and non-life-threatening condition.
Parks Canada promptly issued a bulletin on Facebook late Monday, announcing the closure of Castle Mountain Lookout and Silverton Falls, including Rockbound Lake. This area, situated between Banff and Lake Louise, Alta., is temporarily off-limits to the public. Parks Canada urged visitors to respect the closures for the safety of both the public and their team members.
The bulletin did not provide details on why the closure was enacted, and Parks Canada has yet to respond to inquiries as of Tuesday.
While cougars are a natural presence in Banff National Park, attacks on humans are infrequent. The region has witnessed only one documented fatal cougar attack, which occurred in the same park. In January 2001, Frances Frost, 30, was cross-country skiing near Lake Minnewanka when she fell victim to a cougar attack. Wildlife officials located the cougar near her body and promptly eliminated the threat.
Experts emphasize the importance of preventative measures when in cougar territory. Encountering a cougar, they suggest facing the animal, retreating slowly, and appearing large and aggressive by shouting, waving sticks, or throwing rocks – the best defense against potential confrontations with these predators.