Juvenile Killers

Bly, Oregon (Herald and News):

Two young cougars were shot in the town of Bly Saturday after a resident returned to his home following a long absence.

The homeowner discovered his pet cat had been killed. When he went to his woodshed, two young cougars dashed from the building and away from the property.

The resident tracked the animals onto a neighboring lot and managed to corner them. He called 911 and dispatchers gave him permission to kill the animals if it didn't put anyone else at risk, said Tom Collom, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife district biologist.

"They were 40-pounders, last year's kittens," he said.

The article went on to quote the received wisdom:

• Do not hike alone. Keep children close to adults and pets back at home...
• Do not approach a cougar if encountered.
• Do not run from a cougar. It may trigger its instinct to chase....

...and so on.

Don't go hiking. Don't approach. Don't run away. Make eye contact. Don't make eye contact. They never mention the most obvious solution.

Cougars are supposed to be afraid of humans. You're never supposed to see them. When you do, it's because they're no longer afraid. That's a problem. Make it their problem.