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DNR Doesn't Think Horse's Death Caused By Cougar

TOWN OF DEERFIELD, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin state wardens don't think it was a cougar that killed a horse in eastern Dane County this week.

The horse was found dead Wednesday at Freedom Stables in the Town of Deerfield. Its throat had been ripped out.

The horse's veterinarian says its major neck artery and airway were deeply cut, as if with a single swipe. He says horses sometimes cut themselves on machinery but not this deep.

The stable owners suspect a cougar, but the Department of Natural Resources isn't sure.

Spokesman Greg Matthews tells WMTV-TV that if a cougar had attacked, it probably would have dragged the horse away to eat it. In this case the horse went about 60 yards and collapsed.

Matthews also says a cougar attack would probably have left more marks.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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