Cougar in Santa Paula

Re “Police Kill Lion in Santa Paula Yard,” Sept. 17.

Though I wasn’t there and can’t make a true judgment of the action to kill this cougar (which was not exhibiting aggressive behavior), I wonder if this killing was absolutely necessary.

There were a reported 17 law or animal regulation officers and presumably a wall or fence surrounding a cougar (described as nonaggressive, lethargic and partially drugged) that had been napping in the back yard for several hours.

It was reported that when the cougar was hit with a tranquilizer dart, which was obviously painful, the cougar moved toward a gate and was simultaneously shot several times by two officers.

It also seems that with several hours of observation and 17 officials that there could have been combined agency procedures in place that could have avoided this killing while at the same time maintaining a secure environment. It would seem that firing guns in a residential back yard could also be considered dangerous.

If, in a similar situation, we found a 110-pound dog of a breed that we feared but which hadn’t done anything, I wonder if we would have shot it.

The city of Santa Paula is situated at the base of wildlife habitat of the Los Padres National Forest. Large mammals must often utilize large territories to secure water and food. Unfortunately, sometimes our wildlife can no longer reach these necessities because wildlife corridors have been blocked by roads, fences, etc.

All wildlife, including predators, are vital to a healthy ecosystem and add to our value and appreciation of nature’s gifts.

CARROL McDONALD, Thousand Oaks