Being "unprotected", these beasts may be "shot on sight"! I just heard an Iowa State representative discussing the IA DNR proposal to "protect" not only the big cats, but also bears - this particular Rep. ( a demoncrat no less!) stated that he has no intention of allowing these large predators to be protected here in IA. Further, he suggested that should any of his constituents observe one of these creatures, they should provide just cause for the critter to FEAR human beings . . . not a bad relationship to cultivate with a critter which, lacking due respect,  just might consider the grand children a tasty morsel!

There seems to be some debate regarding the "sudden" rash of sightings: did the DNR release these cats (they deny this possibility), or, did a few private citizens, either intentionally, or, otherwise, release their pets, some of which have possibly made a few offspring in the wilds??!!?! Or, somewhat less likely, did the cats simply wander across the borders . . . It sure seems easy for the DNR to place the blame on JQ Public . . or, was it the INSURANCE companies, in their thrust to reduce deer/vehicle collisions ????!!!??

Certainly, lacking a healthy fear of humans, these cats pose a threat to livestock, pets, children and other small people - especially joggers, who would appear to be "attempting to escape"! ;)

And now, I'm wonderin' about a call from Ronnie Berg a couple of days ago - he was headed for a tree stand (an archery deer thing) and spied some tracks which had the potential for having been laid down by a big cat . . so he dialed up "BIG MIKE"  via the cell phone, explaining the fresh sign . . but I wouldn't allow the BIG GUY to have another day off . . . just to look at some tracks . . .

HMMmmmmmm, regardless their origin, once the ground turns white, "BIG MIKE" is planning on doing a little LION huntin' - he's seen a lion track or two B4 . . and is not completely lacking in wanting to contribute something useful to the community . . .

Keep 'em ON the X! R.G.