3 cougars killed in Port Coquitlam, B.C.

A B.C. conservation officer says there will be more human-wildlife conflict as real estate development continues to encroach on wilderness areas.

Sgt. Todd Hunter of the Conservation Officer Service ofB.C.says three cougars had to be killedin a residential part of Port Coquitlam near Chelsea ParkbetweenThursdayand Saturday.

He says the cougars showed aggressive behaviour, attacked some domestic cats and had an encounter with at least one dog.

They were all young and believed to be part of a family unit because two were found together, he says, which is unusual for the typically solitary species.

Hunter says studies show that relocating cougars that have already become habituated to human areas can create more dangerous situations, because the cougars aren't used to hunting in the wild and may become more aggressive if they're hungry.

He says it's up to residents to ensure food scraps aren't left outside, because they could attract rodents and other animals to the area that will in turn draw cougars.