Oregon Lawmakers to Hear Report on Cougar Study

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Oregon lawmakers are scheduled to hear a report from wildlife experts on a study that led to killing more than 100 cougars to protect elk herds, livestock and people around the state.

The Mail Tribune reports the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has scheduled a meeting Tuesday with a House committee to review the three-year study that concluded killing cougars boosted elk numbers and reduced livestock damage.

The Medford newspaper obtained comments for the report from wildlife managers in several Western states who praised Oregon for the large-scale study ordered by the Legislature.

But one expert criticized the study as “seriously flawed.” Robert Wielgus, director of the Large Carnivore Conservation Lab at Washington State University, said the study lacked scientific evidence.

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