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Captive cougar tests positive for coronavirus
The first cougar (Puma concolor) in the United States has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. The cat and several other animals were tested after showing symptoms like coughing and wheezing at a Texas facility that exhibits wild animals. A tiger (Panthera tigris) at the facility also tested positive for the coronavirus. The animals are believed to have contracted the virus from a team worker or volunteer who was positive for COVID-19. Other big cats have also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in zoos, including a snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in Kentucky and another tiger in New York City.
Header Image:
A cougar takes a nap in the Santa Monica Mountains of California.
Credit: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
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