A Priddis-area woman lived a terrifying nightmare Tuesday after a cougar killed the family's pet and then tried to get their home.The cougar's bloodstained paw — from killing the cat called Oreo — can be clearly scene as it viciously snarls while trying to gain access.WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS A DISTURBING IMAGE. VIEW DESCRESCTION IS STRONGLY ADVISED.The incident took place at the home of Jessica Low, in the Red Willow community on Hwy. 22X about 10 minutes west of Calgary. There was a 5-year-old girl inside crying as the cougar eyed them up through the door."I run over and this cougar is holding our cat ... in its mouth at the window," Low told CTV."It dropped the cat and turned back to the window and started baring its teeth and pawing at the window."I was trying to block (my daughter) and scare it away. (I was) banging on the window and it just was not leaving, staring us down."Eventually, it picked the cat back up, walked a few feet over to our garden and dropped it there and still sat there for a minute or two and then it slowly walked off."Fish and Wildlife were called to the scene but couldn't find the cougar. "It is very skinny and clearly not acting well. If you know people living in that area, please send them a warning," said Western Standard columnist Cory Morgan, who lives nearby."They usually are nocturnal and avoid humans at all costs. Its intent is very likely not friendly at all and more one of dangerous desperation. It is a bad situation and there are many families with children in that area. That cat needs to be located and euthanized ASAP"After it became dark on Tuesday, the cougar came back and looked through the window..Alberta's Public Safety ministry issued a statement to the Western Standard on the situation." Our officers are actively monitoring the situation and are currently evaluating the next steps to ensure the safety of both the residents and the wildlife," the statement read."In the meantime, Fish and Wildlife officers continue to educate local residents on how to stay safe in cougar territory. While cougars are generally elusive, it’s important for the community to remain cautious and report any further sightings at: 1-800-642-3800."
