DNR disputes Duluth-area cougar sighting

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is disputing hunters' claims that a cougar ate a deer shot north of Duluth last month.

DNR wolf research biologist John Erb says none of the deer was eaten by a carnivore and that nearly all of the visible damage to the deer was done by a hunter's bullet and knife.

Erb says the only question is how did holes get in the deer's upper throat.

Hunter Ron Smith reported shooting and wounding a deer Nov. 10 on property owned by Ted Klein near Culver. The men say they tracked down the wounded deer, and Klein says he saw two cougars circling the kill as the men field-dressed the deer.

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Klein is standing by his report. He says he's sure it was cougars.

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Information from: Duluth News Tribune, http://www.duluthsuperior.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)