A cougar that killed a dog in Aspen Ridge last week has been caught and put down by Fish and Wildlife officers. Spokesperson Brendan Cox says the animal returned to the Sunridge area southeast of Grande Prairie Monday and tried to take another dog.
Fortunately, this pet was not injured and officers were able to track the cougar to a spot where it had bedded down just 250 metres away. Cox says they made the decision to put the younger male down as it had shown a tendency to prey on pets and no signs that it was afraid of humans.
If you see a cougar, back away slowly, put obstacles between yourself and the animal, and make your way to a populated area where you can call the 24 hour Report a Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800. Cox also recommends if you’re out on the walking trails that you travel in groups and don’t wear headphones or anything that could prevent you from hearing or seeing wildlife.