McGregor, Minn. The DNR responded to a cougar shooting Tuesday five miles north of Big Sandy Lake in Aitkin County.

The cougar was killed by a landowner protecting his property,
according to the DNR. The cougar was on property owner Jim
Bennett’s front porch and wrestled with the family dog. He scared
the cougar away once and put the family dog in the house. The
cougar returned a second time. Bennett shot the cougar at close
range on his front porch. The cougar was transported to Aitkin by
DNR officials.

“That is not typical wild cat behavior,” said Tim Quincer, DNR
Forest/Wildlife specialist. The cougar was skinny. “At this point,
the DNR has not made a determination as to whether it is a wild or
a domestic cougar. “Most cougars will not be a problem to people
and will leave the area in a few days.”

The last unverified cougar shooting was reported in the late
1970s. Cougars are a protected animal. There is no open season for
cougars. Anyone having problems with cougars should call a DNR
Conservation Officer, your local DNR wildlife office or the
Turn-In-Poachers line at 1 (800) 652-9093.