Nov. 17, 2014 -- The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) responded to a report of a dead cougar along LA Hwy. 12 in Calcasieu Parish west of Dequincy. The animal was found late afternoon on Friday, Nov. 7.

A necropsy performed by LDWF staff determined that the cougar was a 70-pound adult that had been declawed on all four paws. Decomposition made the immediate exact age and cause of death more difficult to determine. However, the cause of death remains under investigation. The origin of the cougar is unknown at this time.

There are no personal captive cougar permits currently issued in the state due to public safety concerns, therefore it is unlawful for anyone to possess a cougar in Louisiana, other than a certified zoo.

The mountain lion, cougar, panther or puma are names that refer to the same animal. Their color ranges from lighter tan to brownish grey. Cougars in Louisiana are protected under state and federal law.
Anyone convicted of killing a cougar in Louisiana could face civil restitution of up to $4,351 and federal citations with additional fines and penalties.

To report information related to the dead cougar found Nov. 7, contact LDWF's Enforcement Division Lake Charles office at 337-491-2580.

Anyone with any information regarding persons owning a pet cougar should call LA Operation Game Thief, inc. at 1-800-442-2511. Callers may remain anonymous and may receive a cash reward.

To report verifiable sightings of cougars with photos, tracks or scat, please call Maria Davidson at 225-931-3061, or contact Robert Gosnell at 225-763-5448 or rgosnell@wlf.la.gov .