A cougar in North Vancouver has been shot and killed by conservation officers after reports that the animal had stalked and killed a pet cat and raccoon.
In a dramatic video caught by CTV Vancouver while interviewing a resident of the area, three gunshots were heard in the family neighbourhood near Edgemont Village, marking the end of an eight-hour hunt for the animal.
Sgt. Todd Hunter of the Conservation Officer Service was called in just before midnight on Monday over reports of a cougar stalking a pet cat in the neighbourhood. The same caller then reported at about 3 a.m. that the cougar also killed a raccoon.
Residents were concerned as the cougar was spotted down the road from Highlands Elementary School.
"I don't worry much about black bears and stuff like that, but cougars I worry about that for sure," a resident told CTV moments before the gunshots were heard.
The cougar was found in a property adjacent to the home where the cat and raccoon were discovered.
Hunter said he and his team, including three bloodhounds, were able to track and euthanize the year-old cougar without an incident shortly before 8 a.m. Monday morning. However, they are asking residents to be wary of another cougar spotted in the area.
"When they are this age, we always assume there is a sibling," Hunter told CTV Vancouver.
Cougars are put down if they get too close to people, attack house pets or show stalking behaviour. This animal did all three, which is why it was euthanized.
With files from CTV Vancouver
