Cougars in Washington State are under fire. Act now!

The Washington State House of Representatives has just passed a bill that will significantly weaken protections for cougars---and it will likely be up for a vote in the senate in the next few days.

The newest version of Substitute House Bill 2438 would extend a pilot program that began in 2004 for another three years. It would allow hound hunting of cougars---whether or not there is a public safety concern---in five counties, and allow other counties to opt in if they meet minimal requirements.

Seven years of killing cougars for sport is not a pilot project! It's an attempt to overturn the wishes of Washington State citizens---our state overwhelmingly voted to ban the widespread hunting of cougars with hounds in 1996 with passage of I-655. State wildlife agents already have the authority to remove "problem cougars" with hounds when public safety is a concern.

Call your senator and respectfully urge him or her to oppose bill SHB 2438. Insist that the voters' wishes be respected---that this bill is not about public safety, but about sport trophy hunting.

How to contact your senator:

• Find your senator at the Washington State Legislature's website.
• Dial the legislative hotline toll-free: 1.800.562.6000 or for hearing impaired: 1.800.635.9993
• When you call, you will likely speak to a staff person who will pass on your message.
• Follow up with an e-mail to your senator with the same message.

Learn more:

• View SHB 2438 information.
• Read the latest scientific article Washington State cougar population research, which reports that a rise in cougar hunting on a fragile population has not solved the cougar controversy.

Thank you for protecting Washington's majestic and ecologically essential wild cat!

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