The BC Conservation Officer investigating what was suspected as an act of poaching in land protected by the Lower Similkameen Indian Band believes it likely to be nature taking its course. 

Members of the band's guardian unit had discovered the dead mule deer buck near Deruisseau Creek in the Ashnola protected area. 

The LSIB initially believed the killing to have been from an illegal hunter, and contacted the BC Conservation Officer service to investigate. 

A release issued on Aug. 25 stated that the investigator had found signs that the mule deer had been killed most likely by a cougar instead. 

"While the mule deer carcass had significant amounts of flesh and organs missing from scavenging, the COS investigator believes that there are indicators of gnawing on the rib bones, and that a puncture wound on the left cheek is related to an incisor, not a projectile," reads the release from the LSIB. 

Additional signs include further marks around the neck and the location of the carcass support the theory of a struggle with a predator. 

Due to the scavenging of the carcass, it may not be possible to determine for certain that the incident wasn't due to a poach but the LSIB states the odds are most likely a natural incident. 

"LSIB wishes to thank the Conservation Officer Service for bringing this occurrence to a knowledgeable, and healthy conclusion," reads the release. "LSIB Chief, Council, staff and members are very relieved to know that this is now a natural circle-of-life, instead of the alternative."

While this incident was likely not poaching, anyone can report a suspected poaching incident through the RAPP-line at 877-952-RAPP (7277).