Cochrane Fish and Wildlife officers are seeking the public's assistance after a cougar was shot and killed out of season. The carcass of a female cougar was discovered dumped off McLean Creek Road at the two-kilometre marker on Feb. 15.
Cochrane Fish and Wildlife officers are seeking the public's assistance after a cougar was shot and killed out of season.
The carcass of a female cougar was discovered dumped off McLean Creek Road at the two-kilometre marker on Feb. 15.
The age of the cougar has not been determined.
Officers are investigating the incident, said Mark Hoskin, district fish and wildlife officer.
“Given when this animal was discovered and state of the carcass, we believe it was killed out of season,” said Hoskin.
“In regards to this matter, we would like to speak with anyone, anonymous or otherwise, who has seen or heard anything that might have something to do with the killing of this cougar.”
All cougars hunted and killed in Alberta must be registered at a Fish and Wildlife office and the skin and skull must be submitted, complete with evidence of sex attached and visible.
The female cougar's carcass was left to waste, which carries a provincial fine of up to $50,000 and/or one year in prison for abandoning its skin, except when a cougar is hunted on private land by the landowner or occupant authority.
Other potential offences under the Wildlife Act relating to this cougar incident include hunting without a licence, hunting in a closed season, and illegal possession.
The type of firearm used is not being released due to the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
The five most commonly poached animals in Alberta are deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and bears.
