Cougar Population

Re “Measure to End Hunting Ban Assailed,” Dec. 29:

During the 19 years I have lived in the Santa Monica Mountains’ Carlisle Canyon, there has been a dramatic drop in the deer population. Abundant 15 years ago, deer are rarely seen here now. During the drought years I blamed the lack of water. There is no hunting in this area, nor have I ever seen evidence of poaching.

Since the rains returned in 1992, the prevalence of lion tracks and the frequent sightings of both mature and young mountain lions have led me to conclude that the overpopulation of this species is decimating the deer population. Deer are the primary prey of the mountain lion, and a mature cat will kill a deer a week.

Wildlife management policies should be left to the trained scientists of the state Fish and Game Department, and not to the emotional outcries of unqualified extremists on either side of this controversy.

ROBERT M. MILLER DVM