not sure what too think of this

[BowtechTurkeyHunter]

'Puma Paranoia' Fuels Request For Bounties

Southern Iowa Officials Want Hunters To Kill Mountain Lions

POSTED: 11:58 am CDT October 20, 2004

UPDATED: 12:06 pm CDT October 20, 2004

DES MOINES, Iowa -- State officials say residents of southern counties calling for bounties for dead mountain lions are overreacting, that there aren't that many wandering the state.

State biologist Ron Andrews said the farmers and others pushing for the bounties are victims of "puma paranoia." He said there may be as few as 10 mountain lions in Iowa, and the reclusive cats present little risk.

Since 1995, Iowa has recorded several hundred unconfirmed sightings of mountain lions, also called cougars or pumas.

Supporters of bounties of $100 to $150 for mountain lion carcasses said they've seen plenty of the cats in Iowa, and the scratches they've left on cattle.

They want to encourage hunters to kill the animals before the lions attack children. They are checking with the state attorney general's office to make sure they can set the bounty.

[wtnhunt]

Re: not sure what too think of this

In my own experience I do not trust the state officials. Their claim of possibly 10 cats sounds like they are acknowledging that there are some there. I guess in my opinion if they are where they are posing a risk to cattle ranchers livestock, the bounties should be allowed.

[buckee]

Re: not sure what too think of this

If they say there are 10 cats, you can bet your booties there are more than 10.

The most dangerous cougars are the young ones and the older ones.

The young ones, because they have no fear and are willing to tackle anything that moves, just for practice and the older ones, because they start having a hard time downing healthy critters and start going for easier prey to survive. They love cats and dogs.