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Loading...75-year-old Woman Fights Off Cougar
The 75-year-old British Columbia woman did not feel right about kicking cougars, but the wild cats were attacking her dog. Jacqui Simenson was walking her two Shih Tzus, Teddy and Bear, along a Sayward beach when two cougars ran out of a shack. One of them snatched Bear, and Simenson swung into action.
CTV News interviewed Simenson, whose quick reaction saved the dog. When the cougar let go of Bear, she scooped up the dogs and ran to a nearby log sort for help. One of the workers took her home. In the video her husband says, “You never know how you’re going to react. I think adrenaline kicked in, and I think she did a mother’s instinct. I’m quite proud of her.”
Cpl. Milo Ramsey of the Sayward RCMP reluctantly shot the young cougars. He had never encountered cougars before and has an affinity for wildlife. However, because the area is popular for walkers and boaters, he felt the risk to humans was high. Simenson also felt badly about the cougars’ being shot and has no intention of taking on another.
The cougars who pounced on the dogs were young. According to Canadian Geographic, cougars under two years of age, inexperienced and more willing to take risks, are involved in the majority of attacks.
People are far more likely to be attacked by dogs than cougars, but with humans moving into cougar habitat and enjoying recreation opportunities in wild areas, occasional encounters are inevitable. Adventure Smart provides tips for what to do. Remembering them when the adrenaline is high is the challenge.
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Read more: animal attack, cougars, environment & wildlife, mountain lions
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And where does this government, our representatives, stand on this corrupt and corrosive issue? Apparently,…
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131 comments
+ add your ownThe Sayward waterfront is not quite what a Californian might think of as a beach http://tigertailfoods.com/wp/?p=12333
There is aggressive, expanding logging in the area.
Its not clear why these emaciated yearlings had lost their mother, but human interference is the most logical explanation.
I'm sad the cougars were shot, but as so many of you have stated, she was in their habitat, but I dissagree. She was not walking in the forest, she was walking on the beach. Most cougars live in a forestered area and there is water readily available for them. I doubt that they drink beach water. I would have tried to protect my pets also. She's lucky she wasn't attacked and hurt.
"felt badly about murdering them" yeah right.. isn't that what murderers always say.. another gunhappy piece of filth in the Harper nightmare they call Canada. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO RISK COUGARS, STAY OUT OF THEIR HABITAT. The comfort of "hikers" be damned.
Cougars on a beach? wtf?
Poor cougar.
Good job mom!! Im sure I wouldve done the same thing..ur babies are fortunate to have u:) but as far as the police and others If u know ur moving into these animals habitat then why not have tranquilizer gun handy???/ We just dont care... we want to take over everything with no repercussions........
Hold on a minute before you go on about the people being" Brave ".Yes the woman was brave, but the cougars habitat was invaded by humans so that man had no right to shoot the cougars where their family habitat always was.
I'd react the same way, I've had other dogs attack my dogs before and haven't needed to hit or kick them but I was prepared to do so if needed.
I'm not really convinced that shooting them was the answer but I can see why that would have happened.
Too bad the cougars had to be shot but I get it as to why. Glad the woman & her dogs were safe. :)
I agree with most of the comments about the lack of evidence, that made the RCMP think that the cougars needed to be shot.
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