Racicot called Babbitt's remarks shameful and accused the secretary of rhetorical posturing. Wildlife attacks up as species are protected Cougars, alligators, bears, and bison have proved more dangerous in recent years as sightings, confrontations, and attacks have increased, according to a story in Sports Afield magazine. In Montana, cougars have been seen under boat docks and in rural yards in daylight. In the six years from 1989-1995, Montana officials documented 122 confrontations between people and lions and 123 incidents of livestock predation. The state instituted a control program and reduced the confrontations.
Cougars are also a problem in California, where two people have been killed in the past few years.
In the last 15 years, more than 50 people have been injured and two people have been killed by bison, and incidents with alligators are fairly common. The increased attacks are attributed to human encroachment on wildlife habitat, ignorance of animal behavior, and proximity to humans. In addition, many wild animals have lost their fear of humans because they see people every day. Chris Walkowicz wins prestigious Fido Award Chris Walkowicz was named Woman of the Year at the Heinz Fido Awards in February. A breeder and exhibitor of Bearded Collies, vice-president of the Dog Writer's Association of America, and prolific writer of books and articles about dogs, Walkowicz is also active in breed rescue and in local and national clubs.