3 cougars euthanized in Monmouth after livestock attacks

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) – Wildlife officials have euthanized three cougars that killed livestock belonging to several Monmouth-area homeowners.

The Corvallis Gazette-Times reported Thursday that the large cats were euthanized earlier this month. Wildlife biologist Nancy Taylor says a resident reported on Feb. 16 that one of her goats had been killed by a cougar. A federal trapper then captured and euthanized an adult and two juvenile cougars.

A nearby resident had called about their property a week earlier after presumably the same cougars killed several sheep.

The trapper was unable to catch the cougars then.

Oregon law allows homeowners to kill a cougar if the cat attacks their livestock.

Taylor said the owner of the property where the three cougars were euthanized was allowed to keep the meat, skull and hide of the cats.