A bill that would allow the unlicensed hunting of cougars and other mountain cats in New Mexico has cleared a hurdle in the state Legislature.
The House Agriculture, Water and Wildlife Committee voted Friday 8-2 to move along legislation that would reverse a law that requires license to hunt cougars.
Under the proposal, people will be able to trap and shoot any number of mountain cats at any time.
Rep. Zach Cook, who is sponsoring the bill, says the measure is a way to better control cougar populations.
Opponents say the state Department of Game and Fish should be in charge of that task but would lose authority under the bill.
Officials say between 3,000 and 4,500 cougars reside in New Mexico.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
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