A cougar was killed in Port Alice Tuesday after attacking and killing a small dog.
A conservation officer from Campbell River euthanized it not far from the village after bringing in a team of tracking dogs they utilize for these kinds of scenarios, which is the most effective way for officers to catch these kind of animals.
The cougar was a juvenile female in moderate health, and it appeared to be recovering from being attacked by a larger animal as it had healing wounds around its face.
Mike Newton, sergeant for the North Island zone, said the conservation office had reports of the cougar in early September, followed by a Sept. 3 report it had killed a residentB次元官网网址檚 housecat out in their yard late at night. ThatB次元官网网址檚 when concern started this cougar was B次元官网网址渘ot just passing through.B次元官网网址�
The cougar was seen again in the village on Sept. 5 and was showing interest in a residentB次元官网网址檚 backyard chickens.
B次元官网网址淎t that time, the owner of the chickens threw an object at the cougar, I think it was a hammer, and the cougar reluctantly left, but it was slow to leave,B次元官网网址� stated Newton.
This evidence all but confirmed the animal was starting to show a definite interest in livestock and domestic animals and was busy hunting in and around yards in Port Alice, B次元官网网址渁nd unfortunately it culminated yesterday in the cougar killing of a small dog,B次元官网网址� added Newton.
He added once a cougar shifts from natural food to livestock and domestic animals, they pose a significant public safety risk, and the response is to remove the animal from the population.
B次元官网网址淵oung up and coming cougars have a tough time finding their own territory, which means they often fall into trouble by ending up in town and close to people.B次元官网网址�
As for rumours of a second cougar still hanging around the village, Newton says there is no evidence of it at this time, but he asked that all sightings be reported to the RAPP line. The reporting number is 1-877-952-7277.
editor@northislandgazette.com
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