LAST WEEK'S STORIESHISTORY |
Methow Valley News August 22, 2001 Endangered Species Fish and Wildlife adopts new cougar removal rules The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted several modifications to the permit system for removing cougars using dogs to protect public safety after hearing public testimony in a meeting in Cle Elum Aug. 17. This meeting followed an Aug. 3-4 meeting in Twisp where the commission considered several modifications, but delayed making any decisions in response to public concern voiced at the meeting. According to commission chair Russ Cahill, the modifications are designed to make the state’s new system for removing cougars that pose a threat to public safety more efficient than the system initiated last year, which only led to the removal of one-third of the targeted number of cougars in areas where they cause problems. Under the new rules developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and approved by the commission on the 17th, the next period for removing cougars using dogs will extend from Dec. 16 through March 15, unless the number of cougars targeted for removal is reached by an earlier date. Permits will be issued for 109 cougars in 21 Game Management Units (GMUs) during the next cougar removal period. For a permit to be issued, there must be 11 confirmed complaints involving human/cougar interaction, at least four of which must involve a threat to the safety of humans, pets, or livestock. Prospective participants must own their own dogs to be eligible for a permit. If a participant is successful in removing a cougar from a designated area by Jan. 15, 2002, that person may be eligible for a second permit. A permit holder must contact WDFW 24 hours after removing a cougar. In December, the commission will consider another proposal that would provide for a "pursuit-only" season that would allow for the training of dogs but no additional cougar removals. WDFW will begin accepting applications for removing cougars using dogs in September. All applications for the next cougar-removal period must be received by 5 p.m., Nov. 1, 2001. Those interested in obtaining a permit should contact a WDFW office, or visit the agency’s website at www.wa.gov/wdfw for more information. Opinion | Sports |
Local Interest |