The Conservation Officer Service (COS) trapped and destroyed a cougar that killed two goats and was spotted on a busy Vernon hiking trail.

The COS told The Morning Star it received a report to the Report all Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line advising of a cougar that had attacked and killed the goats in the area of L&A Road and the Grey Canal Trail on Tuesday, March 4. 

North Okanagan COS went to the area but the cougar was no longer there. Conservation officers set traps for the cougar in the area where the goats were attacked. 

On Wednesday an adult make cougar was captured. It was euthanized due to its goat killing, and because it had been seen near the popular Grey Canal Trail where many people hike, according to COS. 

The cougar that was killed was not the only one seen in the Vernon area in recent days. The COS received a report of a cougar sighting in the rural Pottery Road area on Friday. 

"Conservation Officers will continue to monitor cougar activity in the area and respond as necessary to ensure public safety," the COS said.

Cougar conflicts can be reported to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

According to WildsafeBC, cougars account for about 2,500 calls to the COS reporting line every year, though many reported sightings turn out to be animals other than cougars. 

"Cougar attacks are very rare, but if you encounter a cougar, keep calm and never run. Make yourself look as large as possible and back away slowly, keeping the cougar in view, and allowing a clear exit for the cougar. If attacked, always fight back and never 'play dead.' If travelling with small children, pick them up immediately," reads a page on the WildsafeBC .