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March 24, 2022 - 4:31 PM
Kelowna conversation officers are warning the public to be on alert after two animals were killed by cougars near Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Park.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service was notified in the past 36 hours that a miniature horse was killed by cougars, and in a separate incident a cougar attacked and killed a deer. Both incidents occurred at night, Kelowna conservation officer Ken Owens said via email.
“Cougars are normally nocturnal and typically prey on their available food source within the areas they live. This diet can include primarily deer which also live within the city of Kelowna," he said. "However, when humans occupy areas in or near wildlife habitat, and people choose to keep livestock such as goats, sheep chickens and miniature horses cougar sightings and attacks on livestock and pets may occur."
The conservation officer service euthanized two cougars in relation to the horse killing and removed the deer carcass away from homes.
Owens warned people against feeding wildlife and to keep dogs and cats indoors, especially at dusk and dawn and to keep livestock in secure pens away from forested areas.
Cougar alert signs have been put up in the area.
More information on the wildcats can be found through WildSafeBC's website here.
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