Horse attacked by cougar in North Kitsap

A juvenile cougar attacked a horse in North Kitsap Wednesday night, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Officials determined that claw marks on the rump of the horse and other wounds were consistent with a cougar attack, said WDFW officer Ken Balasz.

The attack occurred at about 8:15 p.m. in a pasture near NE Stevens-Uhler Road in Poulsbo.

"It's most likely a juvenile cat that just got kicked out by its mother," Balasz said, adding that an adult cougar would likely avoid the risk of injuring itself attacking an animal the size of a horse.

He suspects the cat will likely attack livestock again.

A construction crew reported seeing a cougar carrying a small animal in its mouth shortly after WDFW officials left the area on Thursday, according to Balasz.

Cougar attacks and sightings should be reported to state Fish and Wildlife by calling 1-877-933-9847. Any animals that are killed should be left in place in the event the cougar returns and state Fish and Wildlife determine that trapping is necessary.

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