Poaching probe begins after cougar kittens killed, dismembered on Vancouver Island
Article content material
LAKE COWICHAN, B.C. — British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service is investigating a disturbing case on Vancouver Island the place two cougar kittens have been killed.
Article content material
Conservation Officer Robin Sano in Duncan says the service is interesting for data after a member of the general public discovered the kittens’ our bodies alongside a forest service street within the Cowichan Valley.
Sano says the animals had been shot, all of their paws had been eliminated, together with the top of one of many cubs.
The service initially stated in a social media publish that the heads of each cubs have been eliminated, however Sano says it was only one.
Sano says the kittens have been about three months outdated, resembling small home cats, and so they had possible been in shut proximity to their mom on the time.
It’s unlawful to kill cougars in a household unit or cougar kittens below one 12 months outdated.
Sano says the conservation service hasn’t recognized a suspect, to allow them to solely speculate about why somebody would kill and take away components of the cubs.
Article content material
“Whether or not it will be a trophy, or whether or not it will be a chew toy for someone’s canine, we are able to’t say, at this level.”
Sano referred to as the incident “uncommon and remoted,” although he famous it’s exhausting to know what may be occurring within the bush when nobody is round to report it.
The poaching possible occurred throughout the final week, and Sano says a member of the general public reported the useless kittens Tuesday alongside a street between Duncan and Lake Cowichan that’s identified for looking.
The proof thus far hasn’t turned up any leads, Sano says.
“We’re on the lookout for members to principally report something uncommon, if someone turns up with cougar paws or stories that they’ve shot younger cougars ⦠that’s what we’d be involved in.”
Conservation Officer Mark Kissinger says within the assertion posted on social media that the killing and dismemberment of the younger cougars exhibits a “blatant disregard for moral looking and wildlife conservation.”
Anybody with data is requested to name the toll-free Report All Poachers and Polluters line, which takes nameless recommendations on potential violations of B.C.’s wildlife and environmental safety legal guidelines.
