An early morning cougar attack in Port Moody today resulted in the death of a family pet.

Port Moody police spokesperson Sgt. Ian Morrison reported in a March 10 release that at about 12:41 a.m. this morning, a female resident of the Foxwood Drive neighbourhood was walking with her leashed dog when a cougar leaped out from some nearby bushes and attacked the pet.

"The dog’s owner was shocked and obviously upset but physically unharmed during the incident," the report said. "The dog’s owner was able to get the dog to an emergency veterinary service however their pet did not survive its injuries.

"Port Moody Police officers attended the scene and conducted an extensive search for the cougar but did not locate it. BC Conservation [Officer Service] were advised of the incident."

https://twitter.com/PortMoodyPD/status/1369666496574742531

At least three cougar attacks on dogs in February this year were reported from Coquitlam (two) and Buntzen Lake. A young cougar shot by conservation officers in Port Coquitlam the same month was thought to be responsible for at least one of the attacks.

 The B.C. Conservation Officer Service recommends the following precautions regarding cougars and pets: 

"Roaming pets are easy prey for cougars, keep them leashed or behind a fence. Bring your pet in at night. If the pet must be left out at night confine it to a kennel with a secure top.

"Don’t feed pets outside. The pet food might attract young cougars or small animals such as squirrels or raccoons which cougar prey upon. Place domestic livestock in an enclosed shed or barn at night."

Government guidelines about human-cougar interactions can be found here.