This research project aimed to quantify how cougars respond to human activities in protected areas on Southern Vancouver Island by investigating cougar habitat use in relation to prey availability (deer and elk), human disturbance (hikers and vehicles), and habitat features (forest cover, water features, etc.). We also examine how both the time of day and the presence of hikers vs vehicles influenced cougar habitat use. Our results showed that human disturbance had the largest impact on cougar habitat use compared to prey availability and habitat features. Recreation in the region had a negative impact on cougar habitat use, while vehicle traffic was associated with areas more frequently visited by cougars. Overall, these results indicate that cougars may be displaced by recreation in publicly accessible areas like parks and protected areas, emphasizing the need to provide recreational activities that are compatible with conservation efforts.