COYLE — Mark and Ally Stratton lost three alpacas and a milk goat in the past 2 1/2 weeks, and a state Fish and Wildlife agent believes all died from cougar attacks.
The Strattons, who live at 214 Gien Drive near the tip of Toandos Peninsula, reported that two alpacas were found dead this morning in a corral near their home and that another one was killed Tuesday.
“I walked down there at 8 this morning and they were fine,” Mark Stratton said. “At 8:30, they were dead.”
Port Townsend-based Sgt. Phil Henry with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife said that he and a dog tracker hunted the cougar for more than three hours late this morning and early this afternoon.
Dry, warmer weather conditions, which cause an animal’s scent to evaporate quickly, made it nearly impossible to track the animal, which would likely be destroyed, he said.
“I would say he’s bigger than the alpaca,” Henry said. “He’s a bigger cat — I’m guessing over 70 pounds.”
While other reports of cougar related deaths have come in recent weeks, including the death of three miniature horses and a number of turkeys, Henry said he could not confirm if they were cougar kills.
He said many people fail to report domestic animal deaths on their properties, which can prolong cougar attacks.
All cougar or other wildlife-related attacks on domestic animals should be immediately reported to the State Patrol by phoning 360-478-4646 or 9-1-1.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
