Nacho, one of the famous Rafter Six Ranch miniature horses, was hunted down and killed by a cougar on the historic farm, Dec. 10.
Three foot tall Nacho was one of three miniature horses that lived at Rafter Six Ranch. He was attacked 400 metres from the barn, well within sight of the main lodge, which has left staff shaken.
“Nacho has been here for quite a number of years. The young kids who visit will miss him,” said Rafter Six owner Stan Cowley. “Animals become part of your family almost. It’s like losing a member of family. They were just pets.”
Fish and Wildlife responded to the scene and have set up a baited trap on the property. If they catch the cougar, they’ll move it away from the ranch to protect the rest of the horses.
“The horses were feeding across the road and close to the bushes. Cougars are edge hunters, so that’s dangerous for the livestock,” said Fish and Wildlife Officer Dave Dickson.
Cowley is warning his staff to carry flashlights and sharp hunting knives when walking the property at night. About 14 staff members are currently working at the lodge.
“It’s kind of shaky when you walk home at dark. We’re telling the staff to keep their eyes clear and shine their lights in the trees,” Cowley said. “It worries me when they’re that close and within sight of the lodge.”
No one saw the attack, so it’s impossible to say when Nacho was killed, and the cougar hasn’t been seen since. Cougar ranges are quite large, so it’s possible the big cat has moved on. Dickson said the cougar didn’t bury the horse, which is usually a sign the cat is moving on.
“We didn’t see him. We would have shot him,” Cowley said.
The rest of the miniature horses will be kept in the barn at night along with a donkey, while larger horses will still be allowed to roam the ranch.
It’s not the first time a cougar has attacked livestock at Rafter Six Ranch. Last year, a large cougar pounced on a large horse.
The horse escaped by running through a barbed-wire fence. When wildlife officials set up night cameras, they caught images of a three-and-a-half foot tall cougar.
“That cougar rode the horse, but the horse got away alright,” Cowley said. “Instead, he caught a white tail deer.”
No closure has been put in place at Rafter Six Ranch.
According to wildlife officials, the public should travel in groups and keep pets on leash when in cougar country. When encountering a cougar, maintain eye contact, make yourself look big and back away from the situation.
If attacked by a cougar, fight back.
