The big cat was killed last month by a hunter after it had been lurking around neighborhoods in Eden, the Standard-Examiner reported Tuesday.
The hunter with the help of a guide tracked the animal to a wooded ravine, and fired his gun within 600 feet of homes, violating state law, said Trevor Doman, a conservation officer with the state Division of Wildlife Resources. The hunter had proper permits, but he and his guide received warnings from the state for the shooting.
Before the big chat was shot, residents posted on community Facebook pages about sightings and tracks.