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EDMONTON — A cougar on the prowl was shot and killed in the west end Friday morning. Police began receiving calls around 7:45 a.m. from people saying they had seen a cougar near 107 Avenue and 152 Street.

Police and Fish and Wildlife officials responded to the area and found the cat in a backyard.

“Fish and wildlife Enforcement Branch and the Edmonton Police Service worked together to contain the cougar and attempt the control it,” said Insp. Trevor Sallin with Fish and Wildlife.

Because of their size and dangerous teeth and claws, cougars are difficult to capture. Tranquillizers can be tricky to use as well, because cougars can become unpredictable once darted.

Fish and Wildlife first attempted to tranquillize the cat, but were not successful.

“The officers elected to try to tranquillize the animal. That was unsuccessful,” said Sallin. “The animal subsequently charged another officer and was euthanized.”

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The cougar was killed around 9 a.m. The decision to shoot the animal was made in consideration of public safety and the safety of the officers in the area, a police spokesperson said.

The cougar was male and about 100 pounds, said Sallin.

He added it is very rare to see a cougar within city limits.

“This is the first cougar that has been handled in the City of Edmonton as far back as our records go, which is approximately 15 years.”