Interesting article. Generally the classification of Cougar's in the eastern US as genetically separate from those in the west is being reconsidered. If they are the same, the eastern Cougar will be removed from the Endangered Species List. BUT (and it is a pretty big but!) That would indicate that they have been extirpated from their native range. Given the potential to classify a species endangered in part of its range, that would put them right back on the list... Being off the list in the mean time would allow states that didn't have their own special protection status to issue hunting licenses. In Oregon the department of wildlife not only allows their take but kills them outright.
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