Cougar kills woman at WildCat sanctuary

(1/2)A cougar at WildCat Haven sanctuary in Sherwood, July 24, 2013 (KOIN 6 News)

(2/2)A tiger at WildCat Haven sanctuary in Sherwood, July 24, 2013 (KOIN 6 News)

SHERWOOD, Ore. (KOIN) - A 35-year-old woman died after being bitten and attacked by a big cat at the Wildcat Haven Large Cat Sanctuary. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office confirmed the woman died. Wildcat Haven is a no-kill, last hope sanctuary for cougars, tigers, bobcats and other big, wild cats. As of this summer, there were 67 animals at the sanctuary. Some of those animals have a history of abuse and neglect and were rescued into the sanctuary after being discovered in sometimes deplorable conditions.

The local sanctuary founded by Cheryl and Mike Tuller currently sits on less than eight acres of land in Sherwood. That will change in less than a year when they move into a home 10 times larger -- 82 acres -- about 40 miles south.

Last year the sanctuary rescued two bengal tigers, Nora and Katie, from their life in Ohio. At WildCat Haven they have more space and a natural setting. KOIN 6 News will have more information as soon as possible.