© THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Ridewood Calgary Police block the entrance to the South Calgary Health Campus as they search for cougars on Thursday, Sept 18, 2014 in Calgary. Police and wildlife officers are watching two cougars that have wandered into south Calgary. One of the cats is near a hospital and the other is at a nearby construction site.
Brendan Cox, an Alberta government spokesman, said there were reports of another big cat in the area, but they turned out to be false.
"One cougar has been destroyed by officers," he said.
Cox said the wildlife officers had hoped to tranquilize and trap the cougar that was laying in tall grass.
He said after watching the animal they determined the adult male cat was too riled up.
Cox said cougars can become agitated when they get hit with a tranquilizer dart. He said the cat could have run off into a more populated area, putting people at risk.
"Cougars being very quick and agile pose a high risk to escape the area," he said.
"Our officers had to make a very difficult choice. Ultimately their first priority is public safety."
Cougar sightings in Alberta have become more frequent in recent years as the number of big cats has increased along with the number of deer and elk.
The province says conflicts between people and cougars, which can weigh between 40 and 90 kg., are rare.
Source: The Canadian Press
Protect Humans at All Cost?*.
I wish I were a Mountain Lion,
A thousand years ago;
With no fair enemies to pursue me;
On my level, or so.
But life has long since changed that
And for posterity;
At least until the next comet,
Decides to hit me...;
(And you.)
R.C.,
* As if we were about to go extinct. A T. Rex's morality beats ours!
RC