from the Calgary Sun;
http://m.calgarysun.com/2014/12/03/onta ... -just-fine
some nice pix with this one
David Howard, Pete Fisher, John Johnson and Mike Ferguson took these stunning photos of a loose cougar on Cranberry Lake Road just north of Grafton, Ont. on July 11, 2014.
At one point while taking the photos, Howard said he was being stalked by the cougar. (QMI Agency)
PORT HOPE, Ont. - The first-ever cougar lived-trapped in Ontario was a pet after all, and not wild.
Police have determined the 150-lb. cat, named Charlie by police, escaped from a private game reserve near Grafton, Ont., east of Toronto, before being caught in a nearby backyard.
The cougar was reported stalking out several homes in the area before it was finally lured into a bear trap last July.
The last record of a wild cougar shot and killed in Ontario was in 1884.
Police issued a warning to the collector who at first denied losing a cougar. Police said its escape was due to vandalism rather than negligence on the owner's part.
Meanwhile, Charlie is dong fine, says a biologist at the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Feelicien in Quebec, where he has joined other cougars in a 4,000-square-foot area.
"From the start, he has been eating well," said Christine Gagnon.
"He's a big healthy cat."
Upon arriving he had two root canals due to broken canines.
Charlie was introduced to other cougars on Nov. 17.
"He ran after the four cougars we have,” said Gagnon. “There were a bit of hard 'discussions' between the cats, but no serious injuries."
- with files from Pete Fisher
live-trapped Ontario lion proved escaped captive
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Emily
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Re: live-trapped Ontario lion proved escaped captive
From Northumberland Today
http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/2014 ... in-warning
News Local
Investigation following captured cougar results in warning
By Pete Fisher, Northumberland Today
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 4:58:23 EST PM
Charlie the cougar is seen here in a file photo from this past summer. CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT/QMI Agency
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GRAFTON - Ministry of Natural Resources have completed their investigation following the capture of a cougar this past summer.
The full grown cougar weighing approximately 150 pounds, believed to have come from captivity, was spotted by numerous residents in the area of Cranberry Lake Road starting on July 7 just north of Highway 401.
The cougar was eventually captured days later after numerous police and natural resources officers were called. The animal was captured in the backyard of a residence using a bear trap brought in by the Ministry of Natural Resources. It marked the first time a cougar has been live-trapped in the province.
“The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has concluded the investigation on this file based on the facts of the situation and no charges have been laid,” said Ministry of Natural Resources Enforcement Manager Kyle Cachagee from the Peterborough Region on Friday in an e-mail..
“An official warning has been issued as a result of this investigation,” he said.
Northumberland Today endeavored to find out more about the investigation, but as of Tuesday, Ministry of Natural Resources Senior Media Relations Officer Jolanta Kowalsi would only add, “there were several factors in the decision to proceed with a warning including the officers belief that the escape was due to vandalism rather than owner negligence.”
“That wraps up what we have to say about the case,” Kowalsi added.
There was no reason given, however, why the owner was given a warning if the cougar escaped as a result of vandalism.
A call to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Bill Mauro was returned by his press secretary Todd Lane repeating verbatim the statements given by the MNR.
A man who has owned cougars in the past on Cranberry Lake Road told Northumberland Today in July the cougar did not come from his property, but Northumberland Today has confirmed it was owned by him. The man has lived on Cranberry Lake Road since 1991.
Alnwick/Haldimand Township Chief Administrative Officer Terry Korotki said five members of the Ministry of Natural Resources met with himself and the by-law officers and an OPP officer to discuss the situation last Wednesday, Nov. 26 in a meeting that lasted nearly two hours.
A review of the township’s bylaw was conducted and a draft was sent to the township’s lawyer for approval.
“It was a very productive meeting,” Korotki said.
Topics included learning policies and procedures, rules and responsibilities and the authority of the OPP and MNR.
“They made some suggestions and recommendations and (the by-law officer) will do that,” Korotki said.
Korotki said he hopes to have a letter from the Ministry by Dec. 11 for a council meeting.
Neighbours have raised concerns about what other animals are on the property where a sign was posted in the summer stating Cranberry Lake Game Sancturary.
“That’s the question I asked the Ministry,” Korotki said.
Korotki said he hopes to have that incorporated into the bylaw, but it has to be approved by the township’s lawyer.
“But the other side, if people know that certain animals are there, it could lead to vandalism, mischief or just curiosity. So maybe that will be just confidential to the municipality and the property owner.”
The cougar, dubbed Charlie by police officers was transferred to Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough where it was housed until being transferred in September to Zoo Sauvage in St. Felicien, Quebec where he has joined other cougars in a 4,000 square foot area.
A biologist at the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Féélicien in Quebec said on Tuesday, “Charlie is doing great.”
“From the start, he has been eating well,” said Christine Gagnon.
“He’s a big healthy cat.”
Upon arriving he had two root canal’s because of broken canines when he arrived.
Charlie was introduced to other cougars on Nov. 17.
“He ran after the four cougars we have! There were a bit of hard “discussions” between the cats, but no serious injuries.”
But Gagnon reports they all seem to be getting along fine now that introductions are over.
pete.fisher@sunmedia.ca
Twitter.com/NT_pfisher
http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/2014 ... in-warning
News Local
Investigation following captured cougar results in warning
By Pete Fisher, Northumberland Today
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 4:58:23 EST PM
Charlie the cougar is seen here in a file photo from this past summer. CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT/QMI Agency
Change text size for the story
Report an error
GRAFTON - Ministry of Natural Resources have completed their investigation following the capture of a cougar this past summer.
The full grown cougar weighing approximately 150 pounds, believed to have come from captivity, was spotted by numerous residents in the area of Cranberry Lake Road starting on July 7 just north of Highway 401.
The cougar was eventually captured days later after numerous police and natural resources officers were called. The animal was captured in the backyard of a residence using a bear trap brought in by the Ministry of Natural Resources. It marked the first time a cougar has been live-trapped in the province.
“The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has concluded the investigation on this file based on the facts of the situation and no charges have been laid,” said Ministry of Natural Resources Enforcement Manager Kyle Cachagee from the Peterborough Region on Friday in an e-mail..
“An official warning has been issued as a result of this investigation,” he said.
Northumberland Today endeavored to find out more about the investigation, but as of Tuesday, Ministry of Natural Resources Senior Media Relations Officer Jolanta Kowalsi would only add, “there were several factors in the decision to proceed with a warning including the officers belief that the escape was due to vandalism rather than owner negligence.”
“That wraps up what we have to say about the case,” Kowalsi added.
There was no reason given, however, why the owner was given a warning if the cougar escaped as a result of vandalism.
A call to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Bill Mauro was returned by his press secretary Todd Lane repeating verbatim the statements given by the MNR.
A man who has owned cougars in the past on Cranberry Lake Road told Northumberland Today in July the cougar did not come from his property, but Northumberland Today has confirmed it was owned by him. The man has lived on Cranberry Lake Road since 1991.
Alnwick/Haldimand Township Chief Administrative Officer Terry Korotki said five members of the Ministry of Natural Resources met with himself and the by-law officers and an OPP officer to discuss the situation last Wednesday, Nov. 26 in a meeting that lasted nearly two hours.
A review of the township’s bylaw was conducted and a draft was sent to the township’s lawyer for approval.
“It was a very productive meeting,” Korotki said.
Topics included learning policies and procedures, rules and responsibilities and the authority of the OPP and MNR.
“They made some suggestions and recommendations and (the by-law officer) will do that,” Korotki said.
Korotki said he hopes to have a letter from the Ministry by Dec. 11 for a council meeting.
Neighbours have raised concerns about what other animals are on the property where a sign was posted in the summer stating Cranberry Lake Game Sancturary.
“That’s the question I asked the Ministry,” Korotki said.
Korotki said he hopes to have that incorporated into the bylaw, but it has to be approved by the township’s lawyer.
“But the other side, if people know that certain animals are there, it could lead to vandalism, mischief or just curiosity. So maybe that will be just confidential to the municipality and the property owner.”
The cougar, dubbed Charlie by police officers was transferred to Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough where it was housed until being transferred in September to Zoo Sauvage in St. Felicien, Quebec where he has joined other cougars in a 4,000 square foot area.
A biologist at the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Féélicien in Quebec said on Tuesday, “Charlie is doing great.”
“From the start, he has been eating well,” said Christine Gagnon.
“He’s a big healthy cat.”
Upon arriving he had two root canal’s because of broken canines when he arrived.
Charlie was introduced to other cougars on Nov. 17.
“He ran after the four cougars we have! There were a bit of hard “discussions” between the cats, but no serious injuries.”
But Gagnon reports they all seem to be getting along fine now that introductions are over.
pete.fisher@sunmedia.ca
Twitter.com/NT_pfisher
esp
Re: live-trapped Ontario lion proved escaped captive
how 5 lions in 4000 square ft works out should be interesting . i know they spend quite a bit of time near others in the wild but theres also those hellish wrecks too. maybe its because those leave more sign here they seem more common . once in awhile i wish we had snow last long enough to get a better idea of what they do here. the collared lions here travel more but theres a few that hardly travel. wonder if its all due to only need.
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Emily
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Re: live-trapped Ontario lion proved escaped captive
I thought the same thing myself. Perhaps there aren't any other males in the enclosure?..
Something about this story doesn't quite add up. Presumably the decision to place this particular lion in that specific exhibit was made by wildlife management people who know that male cougars do not normally congregate. Maybe they're all neutered, or, lions behave differently when they are fed... But some critical detail is missing...
Something about this story doesn't quite add up. Presumably the decision to place this particular lion in that specific exhibit was made by wildlife management people who know that male cougars do not normally congregate. Maybe they're all neutered, or, lions behave differently when they are fed... But some critical detail is missing...
esp
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Emily
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- Location: Catskill Mountains, NY
Re: live-trapped Ontario lion proved escaped captive
local police had not been aware of vandalism
http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/2014 ... gar-escape
OPP unaware vandalism likely led to cougar escape
By Pete Fisher, Northumberland Today
Sunday, December 7, 2014 7:10:51 EST PM
Charlie the cougar is seen here in a file photo from this past summer. CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT/QMI Agency
Change text size for the story
Print
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ALNWICK/HALDIMAND TOWNSHIP - Though Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry representatives have said a cougar escaped in Alnwick-Haldimand Township this past summer as a result of vandalism, that’s news to local police.
More questions than answers continue surrounding the circumstances of a cougar that was seen wandering in the area of Cranberry Lake Road in July.
The 150-pound feline was eventually captured and is currently residing at a zoo in Quebec.
MNRF officials have been releasing very few details on the incident, only stating last week the owner was given an “official warning” and investigators believed the cougars escape “was due to vandalism rather than owner negligence.”
The owner told Northumberland Today in July that the cougar that had been roaming the area at the time was not his animal.
Many questions remain unanswered and officials from the Ministry including the minister in charge of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry refuse to answer questions, including why the owner was given a warning if it was an act of vandalism and why didn’t the owner get his animal back.
Numerous police officers and officers from the Ministry worked together to capture the cougar.
Northumberland OPP media officer Constable Steve Bates last week informed Northumberland Today that “the OPP has yet to receive a complaint of mischief to (the owner’s) fence in relation to the escape of the cougar.”
Police were not aware until just prior to a meeting with officials from MNRF, OPP and Alnwick/Haldimand Township officials on Nov. 26 that the owner admitted it was his cougar.
“In the absence of a complaint, no investigation has been initiated,” Bates said. “I have attempted to contact (the owner) to offer him another opportunity to report any criminal offence relating to the escape of the cougar, but have not heard from him.”
MNRF spokesperson Karen Passmore would only reiterate what Bates had said when asked for a comment.
“MNRF has concluded our investigation into this matter and based on the facts of the situation it is believed that the escape was due to an act of vandalism. Vandalism is a criminal offence, but it is up to the discretion of the individual whether they report it to police for further investigation.
“Hope that helps to clarify things.”
Township officials said the owner has been living on the property since approximately 1991 and he has admitted to owning other cougars in the past. A small sign on the property in the summer identified the area as the Cranberry Lake Game Sanctuary.
UPDATE ON ‘CHARLIE’
The cougar, dubbed Charlie by police officers, was transferred to Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough where it was housed until being transferred in September to Zoo Sauvage in St. Felicien, Quebec where he has joined other cougars in a 4,000 square foot area.
A biologist at the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Féélicien in Quebec said last week, “Charlie is doing great.”
“From the start, he has been eating well,” said Christine Gagnon. “He’s a big healthy cat.”
Upon arriving, he had two root canals because of broken canines when he arrived.
Charlie was introduced to other cougars on Nov. 17.
“He ran after the four cougars we have! There were a bit of hard ‘discussions’ between the cats, but no serious injuries.”
But Gagnon reports they all seem to be getting along fine now that introductions are over.
pete.fisher@sunmedia.ca
http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/2014 ... gar-escape
OPP unaware vandalism likely led to cougar escape
By Pete Fisher, Northumberland Today
Sunday, December 7, 2014 7:10:51 EST PM
Charlie the cougar is seen here in a file photo from this past summer. CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT/QMI Agency
Change text size for the story
Report an error
ALNWICK/HALDIMAND TOWNSHIP - Though Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry representatives have said a cougar escaped in Alnwick-Haldimand Township this past summer as a result of vandalism, that’s news to local police.
More questions than answers continue surrounding the circumstances of a cougar that was seen wandering in the area of Cranberry Lake Road in July.
The 150-pound feline was eventually captured and is currently residing at a zoo in Quebec.
MNRF officials have been releasing very few details on the incident, only stating last week the owner was given an “official warning” and investigators believed the cougars escape “was due to vandalism rather than owner negligence.”
The owner told Northumberland Today in July that the cougar that had been roaming the area at the time was not his animal.
Many questions remain unanswered and officials from the Ministry including the minister in charge of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry refuse to answer questions, including why the owner was given a warning if it was an act of vandalism and why didn’t the owner get his animal back.
Numerous police officers and officers from the Ministry worked together to capture the cougar.
Northumberland OPP media officer Constable Steve Bates last week informed Northumberland Today that “the OPP has yet to receive a complaint of mischief to (the owner’s) fence in relation to the escape of the cougar.”
Police were not aware until just prior to a meeting with officials from MNRF, OPP and Alnwick/Haldimand Township officials on Nov. 26 that the owner admitted it was his cougar.
“In the absence of a complaint, no investigation has been initiated,” Bates said. “I have attempted to contact (the owner) to offer him another opportunity to report any criminal offence relating to the escape of the cougar, but have not heard from him.”
MNRF spokesperson Karen Passmore would only reiterate what Bates had said when asked for a comment.
“MNRF has concluded our investigation into this matter and based on the facts of the situation it is believed that the escape was due to an act of vandalism. Vandalism is a criminal offence, but it is up to the discretion of the individual whether they report it to police for further investigation.
“Hope that helps to clarify things.”
Township officials said the owner has been living on the property since approximately 1991 and he has admitted to owning other cougars in the past. A small sign on the property in the summer identified the area as the Cranberry Lake Game Sanctuary.
UPDATE ON ‘CHARLIE’
The cougar, dubbed Charlie by police officers, was transferred to Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough where it was housed until being transferred in September to Zoo Sauvage in St. Felicien, Quebec where he has joined other cougars in a 4,000 square foot area.
A biologist at the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Féélicien in Quebec said last week, “Charlie is doing great.”
“From the start, he has been eating well,” said Christine Gagnon. “He’s a big healthy cat.”
Upon arriving, he had two root canals because of broken canines when he arrived.
Charlie was introduced to other cougars on Nov. 17.
“He ran after the four cougars we have! There were a bit of hard ‘discussions’ between the cats, but no serious injuries.”
But Gagnon reports they all seem to be getting along fine now that introductions are over.
pete.fisher@sunmedia.ca
esp
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