Unless some formidable opposition comes to light , the so-called "Eastern Cougar(Puma) will be Federally Delisted and proclaimed "extinct" come mid August.............My question revolves around the fact that many researchers have concluded that there are no subspecies of Pumas in North America, but in fact a Puma is a Puma is Puma wherever found in North America..............If that is the case, then the Puma is simply extirpated from east of the Mississippi(except for the 100-200 animals clinging to life in Florida)................At this juncture, the Feds showing no resolve to re-wild Pumas or Wolves to their native haunts in the east

Subject: United States proposed rule to delist the eastern puma from the Federal Endangered Species Act

Please feel free to share this announcement with others interested in the eastern cougar.

Good afternoon,

On June 16, 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will announce the June 17, 2015 publication of a proposed rule to delist the eastern subspecies of the eastern puma (=cougar) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973.  This delisting proposal is based on the best available data that supports our conclusion that the eastern puma is extinct.

A 60-day period for reviewing the proposed rule, during which both public and peer comments are being sought, will be initiated June 17 and run through August 17, 2015.  During this period, a public hearing or informational meetings will be offered upon request. 

The Service has evaluated the classification status of the eastern puma as listed under the ESA, and  we are proposing to delist this subspecies because the best available scientific and commercial data indicates that it is extinct, and likely has been so for nearly a century.  We recognize valid reports of pumas in eastern North America; however, forensic analysis and other evidence indicate that these pumas are either of captive descent or have dispersed from western populations of other cougar subspecies.  We have found no verified reports of the eastern subspecies since 1939.  

The proposed rule takes into account the exhaustive status review that was completed in 2011 as well as subsequent information about cougar sightings within the historical range of the eastern subspecies.  It also recognizes the continuing taxonomic questions about the delineation of North American puma subspecies, but concludes that these questions are moot with regard to an extinct subspecies.  

We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule will be based on the best scientific and commercial data available and be as accurate and as effective as possible.  Therefore, we are particularly seeking comments and information concerning targeted information and comments concerning the following:  (1) the persistence or extinction of a breeding population of the eastern puma subspecies within its historical range, (2) credible reports or evidence of wild-origin pumas within the historical range of the eastern puma subspecies, (3) our analysis of the status of the eastern puma, and (4) the taxonomy of North American pumas.

Written comments must be submitted on or before August 17, 2015, by one of the following methods:  (1) Electronically:  Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.  In the Search box, enter FWS–R5–ES–2015–0001, which is the docket number for this rulemaking.  You may submit a comment by clicking on "Comment Now!"  (2)  By hard copy:  Public Comments Processing, Attn:  FWS–R5–ES–2015–0001, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Headquarters, MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

 Thank you for your interest in the eastern puma.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Martin Miller, Northeast Regional Office, at martin_miller@fws.gov or 413-253-8615, or Mark McCollough, Maine Field Office, at mark_mccollough@fws.gov or 207-866-3344 x1115.

Sincerely,  Mark McCollough

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Mark McCollough, Ph.D.

Endangered Species Specialist

Maine Field Office

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

17 Godfrey Drive, Suite 2

Orono, ME 04473

Phone 207 866-3344 x115

Cell Phone: 207 944-5709

mark_mccollough@fws.gov