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Police in the Metro Vancouver suburb of Port Moody say a cougar walked into a residential neighbourhood and tried to carry away a small dog.

Police say the dog's owner reported yelling at the cougar on Monday before it dropped the animal.

The pet needed surgery, but police say in a news release that it's expected to make a full recovery.

The neighbourhood borders on a heavily wooded area.

Police say residents can discourage cougars and other wildlife by making sure pets are fed indoors.

Officers say anyone who encounters a cougar should make themselves as large as possible, make loud noises, immediately pick up small children and pets, never turn their back and allow a clear exit for the cat to leave.