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Cougar sightings off Highway 17

"Any future sightings should be reported to police."
cougarsightingnov2015
This image was sent from a phone to the Anishinabek Police. The animal in the photo is believed to be a cougar. Photo submitted.

The Anishinabek Police say they have been getting a number of reports of a cougar sighting in the Yellek subdivision just off Highway 17 just West of the Eagle’s Nest Gas Bar.  

Another sighting was reported to police today near the Mike’s Mart across from Carlson Sports near the Highway 17 and Main Street intersection.  

"Any future sightings should be reported to police,” stated Anishinabek Police Service Media Relations Officer Chantal Larocque.  

“Do not attempt to approach the animal. Be mindful of young children playing outdoors and of small pets.”

According to a report in the Canadian Field-Naturalist in the summer titled "Evidence Confirms the Presence of Cougars (Puma concolor) in Ontario, Canada," the big cats are roaming around the Ontario wilderness. 

Sightings have been reported in both the Toronto, Muskoka and Ottawa regions in 2015.  

It was believed since the early 1900s, due to intensive hunting, the Ontario cougar was extinct. The increase in sightings over the last few years seems to indicate a significant increase in the population.

 


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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