Redmond Hunter Fined For Killing Caged Cougar

REDMOND, WA - A local hunter has pleaded guilt to a misdemeanor and paid a $1,300 fine for shooting and killing a cougar that was trapped inside a wildlife researcher's cage.

Rondald D. Wentz, 53, pleaded guilty in December to a misdemeanor charge of interfering with fishing or hunting gear; in addition to the fine, he was sentenced to probation and community service.

Wentz killed the cougar in February 2016, but the incident was uncovered by the Seattle Times after animal rights groups asked for an investigation.

According to an incident report made public by the Times, Wentz told a state wildlife officer that he spotted the cougar crossing a road while driving through private timberland north of Mt. Si. Wentz told officers that he got out of his vehicle intending to hunt the cougar, and then shot it while it was standing in front of a cage.

The cougar, however, was actually trapped inside a cage set by Dr. Brian Kerston, a biologist working with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. When Kerston went to check on the trap, he found a bloody scene inside. Under questioning by a fish and wildlife officer, Wentz later admitted that he knew the cougar was inside the cage when he shot it.

The cougar was wearing a GPS collar and an ear tag when Wentz shot it. Killing a tagged animal is not illegal, and the fish and wildlife incident report said that Wentz has in the past killed tagged bears.

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