Although deer are the cougar s main food source, they also regularly take down elk and moose. Coyotes, rodents and birds round out the cougar s diet. They generally consume the protein rich internal organs of their prey first and then bury the rest under foliage or snow for later consumption. Cougars are very particular about the condition of their food and will abandon the kill once the meat begins to spoil. It is uncommon for a healthy cougar to scavenge.
Cougars are solitary and territorial animals by nature.
The exceptions are mothers with kittens, or siblings that travel together for a short time following dispersal from their mother. Dominant male cougars have large territories that will overlap the home range of several females. Cougars are found throughout most of western Alberta, from the slopes of the Rockies, through the foothills, to the edge of farm country. Most hunting is done on public land, which is accessible via logging roads, off-road trails and cut lines. Because of Alberta s location on the eastern slopes of the Rockies, sufficient snow to track cougars can be expected, without high accumulations.