2 cougars shot, killed in B.C.'s Okanagan

Two cougars have been shot and killed in the Okanagan, including one spotted by children playing outside a daycare in Winfield, B.C.

On Wednesday, children were playing outside the Lake Country Boys and Girls Club during their recess break when they spotted the animal, which was sleeping in a tree.

"The daycare supervisor went and looked and saw a long tail," said Tobilynn Siemens, the centre's director.

Staff immediately took the children inside and called for help.

"Nobody was scared, everybody just walked right back into the building. The kids just thought they were going in for lunch. It was a just big kitty cat to them."

Conservation officers shot and killed the young cougar after determining the animal was in poor health.

Earlier on Wednesday, another cougar was shot and killed at a farm in nearby Oyama, B.C. A male cougar had been attacking livestock and pets at a local farm.

"People need to be aware," said Sgt. Josh Lockwood, a supervising conservation officer in the North Okanagan. "When they live in areas like this, it is a potential risk."

Lockwood says if you do spot a cougar, remember to remain calm. If you feel threatened, he says, call an officer.