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wednesday, february 1, 2017 // ISSUE 90
FRANCOIS LEPLANTE SWINGS FOR THE SWEET SPOT ON MELT-OUT, A LOCAL CLIMBING MECCA// TRISTAN NISSEN
Cougars euthanized by wildlife officials Two cougars that came too close to human kind were put down by Jasper National Park officials recently. One animal was deemed a threat to public safety and was euthanized. The other was put down after it was struck by a vehicle on Highway 16 just west of the Jasper townsite, according to Parks Canada. Both incidents occurred on the morning of Wednesday, January 25.
on a leash, there were no humans present when the cougar attacked and that the animal did not act aggressively when confronted. “We felt it would disappear,” said Parks Canada wildlife specialist, Mark Bradley. But the cat didn’t disappear. Parks Canada staff learned of more sightings in, and adjacent to, high human-use areas. Following carnivore management guidelines, wildlife-conflict staff determined that euthanasia was the best course of action to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Ten days earlier, on January 15, a local family was in shock after a cougar attacked their seven-year-old dog in their “This was a very difficult decision for Parks Canada staff,” backyard, on the edge of town. Moments after his wife found a cougar had pinned their pet, Dale Diduck chased the animal said communications officer Steve Young. “But in the end, it was a necessary action to ensure visitor safety.” into a nearby tree. At that time, Parks officials made the decision not to kill the cougar, reasoning that the dog was not bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com