Cougar captured in Coldstream

Photo: Contributed - Conservation

Update: Conservation Officer Josh Lockwood says the cougar was captured by officers, Thursday night, in Coldstream.

The cougar was a three-year-old female in good condition, according to Lockwood.

"There was no need for the cougar to be in a residential area, it was not sick or starving. The animal was euthanized."

Conservation Officers are warning residents in Coldstream to be extra vigilant when outdoors or walking their pets near Kidston road after a cougar was spotted lurking in the area.

According to Conservation Officer Josh Lockwood, an officer attended the area on Thursday, but was unable to trap the animal.

"We just want to want the public to be extra cautions when walking their dogs out near Kal Park."

The cougar has not killed any domestic animals, but Lockwood says it is possible and officers did find the remains of a small deer and a racoon killed in the area.

"Officers are going to set up some traps in the area, right close to where these animals were killed. So we want people in the area to keep their dogs on a leash and don't let them out alone at night."

Lockwood hopes officers will be able to subdue the cougar in the next few days.

If you encounter the cougar, he says, don't run, make yourself look as big as possible and make as much noise as possible.

For more tips on how to deal with a cougar encounter click here.