ST. ALBERT — RCMP are checking on a reported cougar sighting in St. Albert.
They say a resident of the community north of Edmonton called on Monday night to say they'd seen the large cat in a wooded trail area near Bellerose High School.
Alberta Fish and Game officers have been called and are also en route to check for the animal.
Residents of the community are being asked to stay indoors and bring their pets inside.
Police are also asking residents to accompany their children to bus stops on Tuesday morning, espeically if the walking routes are near wooded areas, and to "walk and run in groups for added safety."
RCMP say cougars hunt at anytime of the day or night but they are most active at dawn and dusk.
They say if a cougar is seen, people should stay calm, not approach the animal, pick up their children to prevent rapid movements that might startle the animal, and back away.
They recommend trying to make yourself as large as possible, and pick up sticks or branches and wave them about.