This is Carla Sullivan, sister of Patrick Sullivan. I am writing for
Patrick's friends and family and fellow newsgroups posters. I am sorry to
report that Patrick Michael Sullivan has been killed in a cougar attack on
Vancouver Island. Patrick was a long time poster and a subscriber to the
newsgroup alt.home.repair.
All my best,
-Carla
http://patrick-michael-sullivan.blogspot.com/
The news article is below.
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"Cougar Attack Kills Nanaimo BC Resident Patrick Michael Sullivan"
The first cougar attacks of the year have taken the life of Nanaimo BC
resident named Patrick Michael Sullivan, as he was walking off his Mt.
Benson Street property.
16 cougars from the nearby Bowen Park attacked Sullivan and dragged him into
the bushes where he was devoured by the hungry cats.
Wildlife officials say this is not uncommon in Nanaimo during the month of
January. "This happens every year in Nanaimo. Those God damned cougars come
down from the hills and eat everything in sight. Nothing is safe. Not even
the police."
Wildlife officers have stepped up patrols in the Mt. Benson St. area to ward
off further attacks.
Last year, 450 people in Nanaimo were killed by gangs of roving cougars who
attacked and ate everything from house cats to parrots.
In 2007, lion tamers from west Africa were flown to Nanaimo to help deal
with the wild cats. 14 of those lion tamers suffered serious injuries and 9
were killed trying to round up the dangers beasts.
Tom Collins of the BC Ministry of Wildlife said the year 2008 is expected to
be the worst yet for cougar attacks in Nanaimo. Collins stated the snowpack
in the mountains surrounding Nanaimo is especially high this year, forcing
the cougars to seek food at lower elevations. Collins said, "The snow's too
deep up there for the cougars to dig for rabbits, hence Sullivan..."
Funeral arrangements for Patrick Michael Sullivan are being made and will be
held Sam's Funeral Home on Newcastle Street in Nanaimo.
Donations to the World Wildlife Federation are requested in lieu of flowers.
-Scott Simpson, Nanaimo Star Weekly ©