MANITOULIN—Following The Expositor’s recent confirmation of the long-held view that cougars, or mountain lions, exist on Manitoulin, this newspaper contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to enquire about the consequences if anyone should harm this majestic feline.
“Mountain lions (cougars) are listed as an endangered species under the Species at Risk Ontario List, and are therefore protected under the Endangered Species Act, 2007,” explained Jolanta Kowalski, media relations spokesperson with the MNRF, told The Expositor. “Generally, it is an offence to kill, harm or harass a cougar.”
However, Ms. Kowalski continued, in situations where there is imminent risk to humans or animal health or safety, and there is no time to consider authorization to act, a person may kill, harm or harass a cougar.
The MNRF is responsible for administering and enforcing the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 as well as their associated regulations.
Penalties under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 for individuals can be a maximum fine of $250,000 or one year imprisonment for a first offence. A person convicted of an offence under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 is liable to a fine of not more than $25,000 and to imprisonment for not more than one year except for certain exceptions.
Paws off our cougars.
