DAVIS COUNTY, Utah, June 1, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — After a beheaded cougar was found in Davis County last month, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is asking the public for any tips that might lead to the person or people responsible for the killing.
The carcass was reported on May 1, and DWR officials believe the animal had been dead for several days. It was found near the Bonneville Shoreline Trail above North Salt Lake in Davis County.
A thorough examination of the carcass revealed a bullet lodged inside one of the cougar’s limbs. The head had been removed from the carcass with the use of a sharp instrument.
In an attempt to rule out the possibility that the cougar died as a result of wounding loss by a lawful hunter, officers contacted nearly all hunters with permits for the area.
At this time, the cougar is not believed to be a wounding loss, and DWR is seeking information about the person or people involved. There are no suspects.
The area in which the cougar was found is a popular hiking and biking trail. It’s likely that someone saw or heard something suspicious in the area around the end of April or the beginning of May.
The DWR is asking anyone with information about this illegal killing — or any other wildlife crimes — to please contact the UTiP hotline at 1-800-662-3337 or email them at [email protected].
A reward may be available to anyone who provides information leading to the successful prosecution of those responsible for this crime. Requests for confidentiality will be honored.
