Canadian TV host sparks fury after posting photos with slain cougar on hunting trip
A Canadian television host sparked major backlash after sharing photos of himself posing with a massive cougar that he shot and killed on a hunting trip.
Steve Ecklund, who hosts the outdoor show "The Edge," said he received multiple death threats after posting the controversial images on Facebook on Dec. 3.
"What an unreal ending to a fun filled season. Northern Alberta lion with BIG CAT ADVENTURES," he wrote in a since-deleted post. "Can’t thank you guys enough for the eye opener into your world of houndsmen."
Photo: Facebook
Ecklund's photos triggered outrage online, with hundreds flocking to the comment section of his post to voice their feelings and concerns.
"A senseless killing ... and something to be ashamed of for the rest of your pointless life. Loser," wrote one Facebook user.
Even Lauren Harper, the wife of former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper, spoke out about the photos on Twitter.
What a creep. Chasing a cougar with dogs until they are exhausted then shooting a scared, cornered and tired animal. Must be compensating for something, small penis probably.https://t.co/UspnQEdWdL
— Laureen Teskey Harper (@LaureenHarper) December 21, 2017
Amid the backlash, Ecklund again took to the social media platform to comment on the wild responses.
"If you can guess what post has 900 likes, 450 comments, 13 confirmed death threats, 754 swear words and one very happy hunter in it......." he wrote. "I will enter your name into the draw for the new cougar cook book, filled with mouth water recipes for your next mountain lion hunt."
Photo: Facebook
