Preliminary test results suggest a cougar that was shot and killed in Ontario's cottage country region last weekend was likely an escaped pet.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says the animal was in good condition and de-clawed but did not have a microchip or tattoos.

The cougar was shot and killed by police after fatally attacking a family dog in the small community of Utterson, near Bracebridge.

Cougars have not roamed the wild in Ontario since 1884.