Pet owners in Charleswood are worried about what type of creature could be in the woods, after the discovery of the mangled remains of a deer.

Harold Strom and his wife discovered the body of a deer, partially consumed, as they were out looking for their dog this week. They said they glimpsed an animal peering back at them from the woods behind their home, and believe it was a cougar.

But Manitoba Conservation says the perpetrator is more likely a coyote, judging by measurements of the bite marks on the doe.

A Charleswood resident also snapped a photo on Sunday of what appeared to be a coyote near Loudoun Road.

The province is recommending residents keep pets on a leash and remove any food or attractants from their yards.

*Warning - video contains graphic images