Warning: Cougar Attack

This afternoon, around 1:30 pm, in the field near the stone Tahsis sign, Ken and Sherry's dog Susy was attacked by an orange cougar that darted out from the bush.  It tried to drag Susy away, but gave up and ran back into the trees when Ken ran towards it.  

Susy's thick leather collar was torn right off and she has some shallow puncture wounds on her scalp and belly and some damage to her ear, but on the phone the vet said she'd probably be ok after having antibiotics.

This was taken on a previous walk, Sherry and her 2 dogs.
Susy is the (smaller) border collie, not the lab.  

When something like this happens, the best thing to do is call the RCMP.  The Gold River RCMP number is (250) 283-2227, or of course call 911 if someone is injured.  The RCMP would contact the Conservation Officer, or the public can report to the Conservation Officer by calling:  Dial Toll Free 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) to report wildlife-human interactions where public safety is at risk.  

In this instance, it sounds like the Conservation Officer is coming in with trained dogs to track the animal.  A cougar jumping out near 2 adults (and 2 dogs) in the middle of the day in town might be indicative of it being sick or injured, and definitely dangerous.    

The word got out to the public incredibly fast via facebook, and a few phone calls.  The Village office was notified and posters will go up to let people know to keep an eye on kids and pets.

A local vet that comes to Gold River (typically 2 Thursdays per month) is Dr. Dave MacDonald, and you can make an appointment through Lori Toohey at 250 283-2508 or if it's an emergency, call 250-339-2511.