Day #187 Nikki, the County Cougar!

Nikki's owner is Paul Malagerio. They have to move out of The County soon because of people who complained to County Council.
After all the talk I've done about the fear of, and how to protect oneself from, a cougar attact while cycling, the County Weekly News reports a wild cougar this week on Rednersville Road, across the Bay of Quinte from Belleville.
It chased a couple out walking their Lab. Luckily, they started running for home when they spotted it charging them and before the Lab noticed it, and so no dog-cougar fight ensued. The wind was from cougar to dog.
When the police arrived along with animal control, the cougar was sitting in the same spot near a hay bale.
It was in the back fields where there are literally thousands of acres of countryside, and has 'the right to be there'.
It was spotted again by someone else later on.
Cougars are increasing in Ontario. With all the rabbits, mice and deer in The County, you wouldn't think it would need to chase down people. Can't help wondering if it isn't a released animal.
Cougars are a protected animal, did you know that?
I have been banned from walking with my grandson in the woods for awhile on baby-sitting days - Thursdays and Fridays.