Alberta expands cougar hunting as critics express safety and conservation concerns

Alberta has established six additional areas in the province where cougar hunting is allowed, much to the disappointment of conservationists. Alberta Parks and Forestry Minister Todd Loewen says Alberta's cougar population has reached about 2,000, while an ideal population is 1,500. Loewen says he doesn't want to see cougars overhunted, but says some "harvesting" is needed, because the big cats are appearing in different habitats. One of the new designated cougar management areas is Cypress Hill