Hunting predators

From ANIMAL PEOPLE, November 1995:

California governor Pete Wilson on
October 17 signed a bill to put the state ban on
puma hunting back before the voters. The state
legislature halted puma hunting in 1972, when the
puma population was estimated at 2,400. An initiative
approved by voters in 1990 made the halt “permanent,”
except when pumas threaten people or
livestock. Hunting groups claim the puma population
is now up to 6,000, and have amplified reports
of puma sightings over the past few years, especially
since two women were killed in separate
attacks during 1994.

Responding to complaints from sheep
farmers and beekeepers, the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources will hold hearings
in November on a proposal to permit bear
hunting in Garrett, Baltimore, Talbot, and
Arundel counties. About 200 bears live in
Maryland.