Canada: Cougar shot and killed then dumped near Bragg Creek

CANADA -- A cougar was killed and its carcass dumped off McLean Creek Road and wildlife officers are asking for the public’s help to find those responsible.

The female cougar had been shot and its body left to rot, which carries a fine of up to $50,000 or up to one year in prison. The dead animal was discovered Feb. 15 by a person walking his dog near the 2-km marker on the road southwest of Bragg Creek. Fish and Wildlife officials believe it was killed out of season.

“A person can kill a cougar on their private land but this is nowhere near private land,” said Cochrane wildlife officer Mark Hoskin.

Cougars can be legally hunted by those with a licence during fall and winter seasons, between Nov. 1 and Feb. 28, but only if the quota for the wildlife management area is open. Hoskin said it was not at the time they believe this cougar was killed.

He declined to say what type of firearm was used to shoot the animal.

Some of the other charges that could be laid in relation to the case are hunting during a closed season, hunting without a licence, allowing the skin of a cougar to be abandoned and illegal possession of wildlife.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.

(Calgary Herald - March 4, 2016)