The great thing is that a confirmed Cougar presence here in Maine would both increase tourism and justify a bigger state government (Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife) -- a doubleplus good for our two remaining industries!
To prevent the State of Maine from being overun with dangerous animals, the legislature is considering a Cougar Tax proposed by Governor Baldacci to control these ravenous beasts.
Governor Baldacci is concerned that the ferocious felines might pose a problem especially for Women, Children, Gays and Lesbians, and Members of Federally Protected Minority groups.
The $1.00 per gallon tax will apply to Gasoline, Diesel Fuel, Kerosene, Soda Pop, Milk, and Baby Formula. The proceeds would be used to hire Somali trackers out of Lewiston-Auburn to pinpoint every Mountain Lion in the State and enroll them in a predator-rehabilitation program. Except for the rehabilitation part, the proposed program would be modeled on the George Bush Border Control "Catch and Release" Program.