The Iowa Natural Resource Commission meeting on May 12, in Des Moines, will 
be addressing the status of the cougar in Iowa.  The basis of the discussion 
will revolve around a petition submitted by Wally Taylor, Elwood Garlock, and me 
to have the cougar listed as an endangered species.

It would be helpful to the Commission to have your input.  A written comment 
can be sent to
Natural Resource Commission
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Also it would be helpful if you could attend the meeting and show your 
support.

The cougar is native to Iowa.  However it was hunted to extinction in the 
latter part of the 19th century.
Recently cougars have been found in Iowa, in small numbers.  They appear to 
be moving into Iowa from South Dakota or Texas.
There is quite a mania to kill the animals.  In fact two have been shot and 
one was hit by a car.
Cougars eat deer, and could help reduce the deer herd size in a natural way.  
There would still be plenty of deer for the hunters.
Although most of the population are currently males, the males are the first 
to expand into a new area.

To the maximum extent possible, all comments should be factually and 
scientifically supported.  A written letter, signed with your name is the best way to 
influence this decison.

Thanks for your help.

Pam 

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