SECOND COUGAR CONFIRMATION FROM NEW BRUNSWICK

 

A second positive DNA analysis of a hair sample, taken during October 2003, reconfirms the presence of a cougar in Fundy National Park of Canada.  The first positive results were from a hair sample taken in July 2003.  Given the location of the posts and the dates hair samples were collected, it is highly likely that the hair samples are from the same cougar.  Further testing is needed to determine possible origin.

 

BACKGROUND

 

·         Fundy NP is in the second year of an eastern cougar-monitoring program.  Other National Parks involved in this research are Kouchibouguac, Cape Breton Highlands, Forillon and La Mauricie.

·         The program seeks to lure cougar to scent posts in each of the parks. These scent posts resemble large cat scratching posts and are scented with cougar urine. By rubbing on the post a cougar leaves hair samples behind.

·         The hair samples are sent for analysis at the Université de Montreal’s Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Evolution. 

·         The lab was able to identify the small amount of extracted hair as cougar.  Further positive tests, from the remaining two dozen samples, may help determine if this is an authentic eastern cougar, a population thought to be extinct since the early 1900’s, or from an “exotic” animal that could have escaped or been released into the wild.

·         DNA analysis on a second hair sample taken in October 2003 confirmed it was of a cougar. The first positive result was from a hair sample taken in July 2003.

·         The cougar is among the largest of the predatory animals; a male cougar can measure up to 2.5 meters in length and weigh up to 100kg.  Its color is tawny or grayish brown with a white chest and throat.  It also has a long, black tipped tail. 

·         Eastern Cougar is currently on COSEWIC’s  (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) “Data Deficient” list. This designation means there is inadequate information to make an assessment of its current status.

·         Funding for the Eastern Cougar Monitoring Program was made possible through the Parks Canada Species at Risk Inventory and the Fundy Guild Inc., Fundy National Park’s cooperating association.

·         There have been unconfirmed cougar sightings reported in the area surrounding Fundy National Park since before the park was established in 1948.

·         The Cougar is known to be very secretive and shies away from human activity.  Even with the positive DNA results, there is no need for concern to visitor safety at this time.  The likelihood of seeing this very elusive animal is extremely small.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Cougar Network is indebted to Parks Canada Ecosystem Scientist Renee Wissink for providing us with this report.