George Wuerthner critiques the assumption that cougar hunting will decrease conflict with humans.
Oregon’s assumptions on cougar hunting misplaced – George Wuerthner, NewWest.net
Oregon, like many western states, allows cougar hunting. Part of the justification for hunting is the assumption that killing cougars will reduce livestock losses and increase public safety. There is, however, growing scientific evidence that suggests that sport hunting is more likely to increase cougar predation on livestock and may even increase the likelihood of cougar attacks on humans.