Springfield police kill cougar found in backyard

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) – Springfield police say they shot and killed a cougar that was seen inside a fenced backyard stalking children while they were playing in a swimming pool.

Springfield police Lt. Scott McKee says they used a dog to track the cougar.

The dog chased the cougar up two trees, where it was shot and killed.

Police say they decided to put down the 2-year-old, 70-pound cougar after the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife concluded that it was the only safe option.

Springfield police believe it was the same cat that was sighted on Sunday.

The animal’s body was taken to ODFW for a necropsy to determine if it was in the area because it was sick or in search of prey.