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October 31, 2021 - 4:25 PM
Conservation Officers are trying to catch a cougar after it tried to attack dogs within the City of Kelowna.
A cougar was sighted several times in the Dilworth Mountain, Mill Creek, Leathead Road and Houghton Road areas within Kelowna in the last week, said Ken Owens, Conservation Officer, in a press release.
Officers initially said the animal was displaying natural behavior but two instances were reported where the wildcat tried to attack dogs.
"In both cases it occurred during night near the residences in the Sylvania Crescent and Leathead Road areas within the city of Kelowna," Owens said.
Cougars may attack domestic animals and pets similar in shape, size and smell to wild prey. Cougar that have learned to hunt pets near residences, can threaten the safety of other pets in the neighborhood, he said.
The Conservation Officer Service has set up cougar live traps in the area and is recommending the following tips to the public to assist in preventing cougar attacks on pets:
• Cats and dogs are easy prey. Attempt to keep your pets indoors or secure them in a covered run, especially through the night.
• Residences should avoid feeding deer, feral cats or other prey species, which may attract cougars that might opportunistically attack domestic animals.
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