Two Cougar Kittens Found Beheaded With Their Paws Removed & BC Officers Are Investigating
They're asking for the public's help.
A cougar kitten and a mother cougar. Right: A baby cougar.
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An investigation is underway after two cougar kittens were found beheaded, with their paws also removed.
According to the B.C Conservation Officer Service, the two kittens were "illegally shot" in what is believed to be a poaching incident on Vancouver Island.
The service is asking the public for help, hoping for any information to aid the investigation.
A statement posted on social media from the Conservation Officer Service said that the cougar kittens were killed near Hill 60 Forest Service Road in the Cowichan Valley.
The incident is believed to have happened within the last week.
The Conservation Officer Service said that it is illegal to kill cougar kittens, which are considered to be any cougars under 1 year old or cougars that still have spots on them.
It is also illegal to kill any cougars that are in a "family unit," the service said.
Poaching wildlife is an offence under the B.C. Wildlife Act.
"The killing of cougar kittens shows a blatant disregard for ethical hunting and wildlife conservation," said Mark Kissinger, a conservation officer in Duncan.
"Thankfully, this is not the type of offence we see frequently," he added.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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