COUGAR EUTHANIZED AFTER MAULING MAN NORTH OF VANCOUVER

A cougar has attacked and severely mauled a man in British Columbia. A statement from the Environment Ministry, which oversees the Conservation Officer Service, says the 69-year-old victim is recovering in hospital from serious injuries to his face and hand. The attack occurred Monday near the man's property in the Soo Valley, about 150 kilometres north of Vancouver, between Whistler and Pemberton. The ministry says Whistler RCMP officers were first on the scene and shot and killed a cougar prowling nearby. Conservation officers with a specialized team that investigates predator attacks also responded. The ministry says those officers don't believe there is any continuing risk to the public and further details could be released soon.