Fish and Wildlife officers are on the hunt for a suspect(s) that shot and left a cougar for dead on the afternoon of February 21.

The sub-adult cougar weighing under 100lbs was found about 5 km west of where the river enters the Ghost Lake. 

Mark Hoskin, Fish and Wildlife Officer for the Southern Region, reminds the public that poaching is illegal and dangerous. "It takes away wildlife that would otherwise remain part of the province’s environment. In Alberta, it is unlawful to abandon the skin of a mountain lion that has been hunted. As well, the cougar season was closed in the cougar management area at the time of the offence."

The poacher could not have been too far gone as green and brown work gloves were left at the scene along with a still burning fire.

If found responsible the suspect(s) could face up to a $50,000 fine or a year in jail.

If you have any information regarding the crime, please contact Report a Poacher by phone or online, your identity will remain anonymous and you could receive a cash reward if charges are laid. The Report A Poacher line is 1-800-642-3800 or visit www.alberta.ca/report-poacher.aspx.