Conservation officers were called to euthanize a juvenile cougar in the Joe Rich area on Thursday. 

According to Conservation Officer Terry Myroniuk, the animal was involved in “quite concerning” incidents over the course of two days. 

On Wednesday, the first report was issued after an individual encountered the cougar while venturing into the yard to feed their chickens. 

“They felt the cougar was going to pounce and the individual happened to have a shovel they were able to use to strike the animal and disengage it,” explained Myroniuk. 

 “However, the cougar was reluctant to leave despite the aggressive encounter which is a bad sign.” 

File Photo.

A second report was filed on Thursday after a resident found the same cougar in their shed eating a domestic duck. 

“The cougar hissed a the individual who quickly left and called conservation officers,” said Myroniuk. 

“Between the matching characteristics and the short distance from the previous incident we agreed it was the same animal and euthanized it.”

According to conservation officers, the cougar in question was underweight which likely meant it was struggling to hunt causing it to go after easier prey like chickens and ducks. 

“Given its serious physical condition and the aggression showed to humans the animal was regretfully not a candidate for relocation,” added Myroniuk. 

If you encounter a wildlife situation that requires conservation officers you can contact the RAPP hotline at 1-877-952-7277.