One good thing about the overabundance of venison on the hoof is that cougars are expanding their range. One was shot outside of Sioux City IA a few weeks ago and another live one was trapped inside the Sioux City limits last week. They ain't coming across the Missouri River to be near people.
Although I like the idea of cougars in their historical range, I firmly believe that no federal or state protection should be given to any species that is above me in the food chain.