U.S. Congress Seeks Legislation for Big Cats

Lions rescued from poor circus conditions in Panama lie at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colo. Legislation has been proposed that would prohibit the private possession and breeding of big cats in the United States. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Big cats, including native mountain lions and cougars, as well as nonnative African lions and tigers, are a serious problem and a growing political issue in the United States. The problem for native cats is their ever-expanding migratory patterns further east, but the larger issue is the breeding and captivity of African big cats, as well as other large animals by amateur or noncommercial enthusiasts. 

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