If you encounter a lynx, bobcat or cougar

  • Never approach the animal, especially if it’s near a kill or with young.
  • Never offer it food.
  • Do not run, a cat's instinct is to chase.
  • If you’re with others, stay together and act as a group.
  • Face the animal and talk firmly while slowly backing away.
  • Always leave the animal an escape route.
  • Do not crouch down or try to hide, instead try to appear larger.
  • Do not take your eyes off the animal or turn your back.
  • If the animal does not flee, be more assertive by shouting, waving your arms and throwing anything available.

How to make a property uninviting

Eliminate sources of food

  • Do not put meat, fish or other attractive foods in your composter.
  • Frequently wash garbage cans, recycling containers and their lids with a strong-smelling disinfectant.
  • Do not leave garbage cans outside overnight.
  • Secure garbage lids, clean up spilled garbage and do not leave garbage around a campsite or cottage.
  • Empty the grease trap from barbecues.
  • Feed pets indoors.

How to avoid conflicts

  • Consider motion-sensing lights to light all walkways around your home.
  • Watch for signs of animal activity such as tracks, claw marks and droppings.
  • Make noise as you travel through the woods — talk, sing, carry a radio.
  • Travel in groups.
  • If hiking alone, tell someone where you plan to go and what time you expect to return.
  • Keep dogs leashed so they do not provoke attacks by wild animals.

How to protect livestock

  • Where possible, bring your livestock into barns or sheds at night.
  • Use guard animals, such as donkeys, llamas and dogs.
  • If livestock has been killed by predators, you may be eligible for compensation through the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.

Lethal action

  • If preventative measures have failed, landowners may humanely kill a lynx or bobcat that is damaging or about to damage their property.
  • If you use a firearm, you must follow certain regulations and local bylaws.
  • Landowners can hire an agent, including a trapper, to act on their behalf.