Two pets were killed by a cougar within days in the Bridge Lake area.

鈥淭here was a dog kill on Tuesday [Feb. 27] and another dog that was killed today [March 1],鈥� said Conservation Officer James Zucchelli. 鈥淲e were able to track down and get the cat this afternoon.鈥�

The cougar was dispatched around Bell Road in Bridge Lake. Zucchelli said he believes the cougar is likely responsible for both dog deaths due to it鈥檚 proximity to both scenes and it鈥檚 likeness to a photo of the cat caught during the first attack.

The office is only 90 per cent sure due to the lack of DNA testing though and would like to remind the public to remain diligent in safeguarding their property and pets from cougars.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 want people to drop their vigilance. We need people to maintain a healthy respect for the environment and for the cats coming and going through their property,鈥� said Zucchelli.

The office is taking three to five calls a week on average regarding cougars, from sightings, tracks, interactions with people or cougar signs on properties. The sightings are reported from Bridge Lake all the way up to Williams Lake.

鈥淭he deep snow is definitely pushing the cougars out of the trees and into the plowed roads and then that drags them into close proximity to residences and conflict with people,鈥� said Zucchelli. 鈥淭he snow has definitely increased the number of calls and interactions we鈥檝e had.鈥�

The cougar was a 100-pound healthy female.

Residents should keep their pets on leashes and keep a look out for cougar tracks. They should also make sure areas are lit and walkways are clear of shrubbery long enough for cougars to hide in.

People should call the Conservation Office at 1-877-952-7277 to report a wildlife sighting as it happens so the office can respond in the appropriate manner.