6 cougars killed near Victoria after attacks on sheep farms
Conservation officers have captured and killed six cougars near Victoria this year in response to multiple predatory attacks on sheep farms.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says it has dedicated "significant resources in response to cougar complaints in the Metchosin area over the last several months," but adds that it is not the agency's responsibility to create "predator-free zones" for livestock and other domestic animals.
"Cougar sightings are not unusual in rural areas, particularly those bordered by forests. The majority of Vancouver Island is considered cougar country," the conservation service said in a statement to CTV News on Monday.
"It is not the role – nor is it operationally feasible – for conservation officers to be on standby to immediately respond to a cougar/livestock issue."
The owners of the Parry Bay Sheep Farm in Metchosin estimated that cougars had killed 41 of their lambs and injured eight others by May 18.
"It has been a terrible year so far for predation and the bears haven't even started," says a statement on the farm's Facebook page.
The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy says conservation officers are working with Metchosin farmers to minimize the number of sheep and other animals lost to cougars.
Conservation officers are encouraging farmers to use electric fences or guard dogs to dissuade cougars from entering livestock areas, and recommending farmers keep their livestock in barns overnight.
"While the COS recognizes losing sheep is frustrating, it is not the mandate of the COS to create predator-free zones," the agency said.
"Conservation officers must prioritize public safety calls for service as the highest priority, such as those related to dangerous hunting or dangerous wildlife in urban and rural settings that pose a significant risk to human safety."
The conservation service says it will continue to monitor cougar activity in the Metchosin area and will respond as necessary when public safety in endangered.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.