Cougar Attack on Horse in Hinchinbrooke

On Tuesday, June 16th, a horse in Hinchinbrooke was attacked by a cougar at 3:30 the afternoon. The owner, local Helene Richer, spotted the feline after it had attacked her animal, claiming that the animal was “very, very big.”

Fortunately, the horse was able to kick the cougar with its back legs, escaping with a fairly deep laceration to its hindquarters. While the horse will be fine, the owner is quite shaken up, as the cougar is currently stalking the area.

Livestock owners in the area should take precaution. If possible, bring your animals in at night. According to local trapper Jean-Pierre Laniel, your animals will begin to act up if there is a cougar nearby, as the large felines tend to stalk their prey beforehand—so be sure to look for signs of stress in your animals. In very rare cases, cougars have been known to attack people, so be sure to be aware of your surroundings. If you encounter one in the wild, it is important to make a lot of noise in an attempt to scare the feline away—running will trigger its hunting instinct, so take the time to inform yourself of the necessary safety precautions. Laniel also advises dog owners to bring their canines along when outside.

Cougars are the largest wild cat in Canada, and the second largest in North America. Weighing anywhere from 35-100 kilograms, these giant cats can jump up to 9 meters from the ground.

Please remember that these felines are considered endangered, so be sure to contact the municipality if you spot one and do not attempt to confront the animal on your own. Fortunately, operations are currently in progress to safely trap and remove the animal from the area.