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OREM, Utah (AP) — Wildlife officials say a cougar has died after she roamed through a neighborhood in Orem and was tranquilized by state biologists.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources spokesman Scott Root says the big cat was spotted Monday morning in the northeast part of town. Jon Shelley's dog, Roxy, alerted her owner to the wild animal.
"My dog started barking, and I thought it was barking at the neighbors so I went outside and looked and realized it was chasing a big cougar," Shelley said.
The cougar jumped a few more fences until it was cornered under a pine tree in a yard.
Root said biologists tranquilized the animal to move her out of the neighborhood, but she eventually died. He said a necropsy is scheduled to determine an exact cause of death.
Root described the cat as 2 years old or younger and weighing less than 100 pounds.
"Anytime someone sees a cougar or bear, or even a moose in a residential area, just call the DWR — or even call your local law enforcement agency, and we will respond immediately," Root said.
Orem police were on hand to keep members of the public away from the animal.
Contributing: Sam Penrod
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