Two pets were killed by a cougar within days in the Bridge Lake area.

B次元官网网址淭here was a dog kill on Tuesday [Feb. 27] and another dog that was killed today [March 1],B次元官网网址� said Conservation Officer James Zucchelli. B次元官网网址淲e were able to track down and get the cat this afternoon.B次元官网网址�

The cougar was dispatched around Bell Road in Bridge Lake. Zucchelli said he believes the cougar is likely responsible for both dog deaths due to itB次元官网网址檚 proximity to both scenes and itB次元官网网址檚 likeness to a photo of the cat caught during the first attack.

The office is only 90 per cent sure due to the lack of DNA testing though and would like to remind the public to remain diligent in safeguarding their property and pets from cougars.

B次元官网网址淲e donB次元官网网址檛 want people to drop their vigilance. We need people to maintain a healthy respect for the environment and for the cats coming and going through their property,B次元官网网址� said Zucchelli.

The office is taking three to five calls a week on average regarding cougars, from sightings, tracks, interactions with people or cougar signs on properties. The sightings are reported from Bridge Lake all the way up to Williams Lake.

B次元官网网址淭he deep snow is definitely pushing the cougars out of the trees and into the plowed roads and then that drags them into close proximity to residences and conflict with people,B次元官网网址� said Zucchelli. B次元官网网址淭he snow has definitely increased the number of calls and interactions weB次元官网网址檝e had.B次元官网网址�

The cougar was a 100-pound healthy female.

Residents should keep their pets on leashes and keep a look out for cougar tracks. They should also make sure areas are lit and walkways are clear of shrubbery long enough for cougars to hide in.

People should call the Conservation Office at 1-877-952-7277 to report a wildlife sighting as it happens so the office can respond in the appropriate manner.