Public Support Fuels Potential Puma Reintroduction to Eastern US
Cougars, also known as pumas, in Montana. T
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A study revealing strong public support in seven East Coast states could be the first step in reintroducing pumas into lost habitat in the Eastern United States.
A team of scientists surveyed 2,756 respondents in Maine,Massachusetts,New Hampshire,New York,Pennsylvania,Vermont and West Virginia to evaluate their thoughts about restoring this large cat species,also known as cougars and mountain lions. Pumas are among the two largest cat species in North America.
Puma kittens.
Mark Elbroch,Panthera.
The survey was backed by the U.S.Geological Survey’s Eastern ecological Science Center. It announced the findings as both “surprising and encouraging. The number of residents expressing strong support outnumbered those with strong opposition by 4:1 to 13:1, with support outweighing opposition in every state. Contrary to common assumptions, hunters, rural residents, and politically conservative individuals showed significant support for puma reintroduction.”
This broad public support for pumas could spur state wildlife agencies to explore the idea of restoring pumas in states along the East Coast where the animals were driven out decades ago by settlers, ranchers, farmers and government officials.
Tribes could also be interested in reintroducing pumas to their tribal lands.
“there is habitat, there is prey, and there is general public support.Now it’s a question of politics, and whether one or more champions among those that lead state wildlife agencies or even among governors and other legislators who will step forward and push a reintroduction effort through the necessary channels to see it permitted and supported by decision-makers and wildlife managers,” explained Mark Elbroch, director of the Puma Program at New York City based Panthera.