A homeowner in Corbett shot and killed two cougars that were lurking near his chicken coop Tuesday morning, officials said.

Deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office responded to a call in the unincorporated community east of Portland around 12:30 a.m. and found the two cats dead, said Sgt. Brandon White, a spokesman for the sheriff's office.

The homeowner, who was not identified, was woken up by his chickens just after midnight, White said. When he went outside to investigate, he saw two cougars trying to get into the coop.

After grabbing his rifle, the homeowner fired two warning shots to no avail, White said. He then shot one of the cougars, which ran off before it died nearby. The second animal remained and continued to threaten the chickens, White said, and the homeowner fatally shot it.

White said Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife had been notified, but he didn't anticipate any charges against the homeowner.

"It's simply a matter of a homeowner defending his livestock," White said.

Michelle Dennehy, a spokeswoman for the state fish and wildlife department, said it is lawful to kill a cougar that is threatening life or property. Additionally, the incident fell within cougar hunting season and Dennehy said the homeowner had a hunting tag for the big cats.

The animals will be turned over to the state for an examination to determine their age and sex, Dennehy said.

-- Kale Williams

kwilliams@oregonian.com

503-294-4048