Sentence Begins For Man Convicted Of Killing Cougar In U.P.

UPPER PENINSULA (AP) - A man who pleaded guilty to killing a cougar in Michigan's Upper Peninsula says he was defending his father -- but state wildlife officials allege the animal was poached, its heart cooked and some of it eaten by the men.

Troy Richard says the cougar approached his father in December at his Schoolcraft County hunting camp. The younger Richard says he yelled, but shot the cougar when it didn't flee.

The Bay City man says he killed the wounded animal the next day and took its hide and skull -- but didn't eat the heart.

Richard began his 30-day jail sentence on Friday.

His father received fines and community service.
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