I’ve been a resident of Jefferson County since 1950. I operated two resource businesses during that time, Boulton Farms and Boulton Logging, Inc. I am very familiar with what goes on in rural Jefferson County.

Why am I not surprised that people in Quilcene are complaining about cougars (mountain lions) recently in their yards.

The state passed a law a few years ago preventing the hunting of cougars with dogs or baiting bears. These animals were not endangered and you had to have a license to hunt them so their control was under the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.

These animals’ sensibilities are so superior to ours that you could be very close to them and not know it.

Now because our present laws do not keep their numbers in check, they are becoming dangerous.

For years prior to the law change, they pretty much stayed out of residential areas but now because their numbers exceed the food supply they are becoming dangerous to humans, livestock and pets.

So, what do we do now?

We could change a bad law, but I won’t hold my breath for that to happen. That would involve using common sense.

By having WDFW and/or law enforcement pick off individuals does not solve the overcrowding issue.

Common sense law should also apply to wolves and grizzly bears that, under endangered species protection, are working their way westward in this state and Oregon.

People, we are not talking about coyotes or bobcats. These are very dangerous animals.

JOHN BOULTON
QUILCENE