Cougar’s Owner Knew How Dangerous the Cat Could Be
Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 03:27:56 PM
Chaos, an appropriately named captive cougar, mauled a 16 year old girl after pinning her to the ground over the weekend. Thankfully, She’s expected to make a full recovery.
About a year ago New Times profiled Chaos’s owner, Alan Rigerman, who at the time was upset with new regulations regarding private ownership of big cats.
Rigerman was well aware of how dangerous Chaos could be.
New Times also met Anthony Zitnick, the man who allegedly let the girl into the cage. Rigerman is currently out of town, and Zitnick has helped Rigerman handle Chaos and his other cat, though though when our Calvin Godfrey dropped by they were at odds on how often the cats should be let out and how they should be handled.
According to Rigerman’s statement to The Herald Zitnick was not allowed on the property while Rigerman was away, but he did have a key in case of emergencies. Zitnick had invited the girl and her mother to the property with out Rigerman’s knowledge. Wildlife officials are investigating.
–Kyle Munzenrieder
KEYWORDS: mountain lion
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://bigcatrescue.org
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