The Predator Defense Institute has spent many years and much effort working to protect cougars. These magnificent predators face an array of threats.
Habitat loss threatens their future, as it does that of all carnivores.
Cougars are also still hunted for sport. In many states, they are chased up trees with packs of hounds and shot at point-blank range. In 1996, PDI was instrumental in the campaign to defeat Measure 34, which could have overturned Measure 18's ban on the use of hounds in cougar hunting. PDI continues to monitor and oppose the continuing stream of legislation intended to overturn the provisions of Measure 18, and works to protect cougars in the states where they are still hunted. PDI Links PDI Alert-ODFW Ignores Cougar Report Find out what you can do about the Oregon department of Fish and Wildlife and their refusal to acknowledge our report.