Time to stop 'denying' cougars exist, researcher says
Thunder Bay professor says its time for the MNR to study the animals and create a management plan.
CBC News
Posted: Aug 15, 2012 10:31 AM ET
Last Updated: Aug 15, 2012 12:02 PM ET
The Minister of Natural Resources said the MNR knows there are cougars in the province, but have not confirmed any official sightings. (istockphoto.com)
Related
A Lakehead University professor is sending a message to the province about cougars after the recent sightings of a big cat in Thunder Bay.
Harvey Lemelin, the research chair in parks and protected areas, said there are stories of cougar sightings in the region, dating back 40 years.
Lemelin said it's time for the Ministry of Natural Resources to study the animals and create a management plan.
“I think we need to address these issues,” he said. “Instead of being reactive, we need to be proactive. We know that cougars are here, they've been here for quite a while. And it makes no sense to … deny their existence.”
The Minister of Natural Resources said the MNR knows there are cougars in the province.
But Michael Gravelle noted there hasn't been any official confirmed sighting of a wild cougar in Ontario since 1884.
Share Tools
Latest Thunder Bay News Headlines
- First Nations activist receives international peace prize
- An activist from Grassy Narrows is getting international recognition. more »
- Downpour sets back last year's flooding repairs
- A Thunder Bay restoration company that was just about done with the repair work from last year's flood has been hindered by the long-weekend downpour. more »
- Man admits to removing dead bear's paws, head
- The mystery surrounding a bear carcass that was found without its head and paws earlier this month has been solved. more »
- Rising water levels keeps Wawa residents on alert
- People in Wawa are keeping a close eye on the skies today now that a flood warning is in effect for the Michipicoten River watershed. more »
Must Watch
Top News Headlines
- Mike Duffy says his actions 'do not merit criticism'
- Senator Mike Duffy said in a statement Wednesday he's confident that when Canadians know all the facts about his spending claims they will conclude his actions "do not merit criticism." more »
- Ford ally says mayor told to limit comments on alleged crack video
- Legal advice may be behind Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's decision to stay silent in the wake of allegations he was recorded smoking what appears to be crack cocaine. more »
- 'You will see him again in heaven,' Sharlene Bosma tells daughter
- Sharlene Bosma told more than 1,000 people at the public memorial service for her slain husband, Tim Bosma, about the love they shared. more »
- Obama to visit Oklahoma following deadly tornado
- Rescue workers raced to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children. more »