SOUTH KITSAP, Wash. (AP) — A Washington state Fish and Wildlife official says it appears a cougar is responsible for the death of a 25-year-old horse in the South Kitsap area.

The Kitsap Sun reports that wildlife Sgt. Ted Jackson says the horse was found Wednesday morning, dead in a field with neck and head injuries consistent with a cougar attack. Cougar tracks were found as well.

A Karelian bear dog brought in to track the big cat had no success due to heavy rain. Agents have set a trap.

Jackson is advising residents to bring all small animals in at night and put livestock in a barn if possible.

The wildlife agency says cougar sightings are rare on the Kitsap Peninsula west of Seattle.

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Information from: Kitsap Sun, http://www.kitsapsun.com/