Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon lawmakers are taking another look at the state’s plan to reduce the cougar population.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife says there are too many cougars in the state to sustain a healthy population.

Conservationists dispute that.  Brian Vincent with the group Big Wildlife says Oregon should promote non-lethal ways of managing cougars.

Brian Vincent: "For example, working with farmers and ranchers to put up proper fencing, to use guarding animals, to install frightening devices.  For individuals, to encourage them to secure their garbage properly."

A legislative panel heard testimony about cougars Friday in Newport.  Ashland Democrat Peter Buckley says he’ll introduce a bill to put the state’s cougar management plan on hold to allow time for more study.

Last month, Washington state scaled back the number of cougars it allows hunters to kill.