All eastern cougars are protected under the endangered species act. Whether the state deems them within their borders or not. The ONLY way for them to be delisted is for the state to file a claim that there are sustainable numbers within its borders to have it delisted and a management plan is in place to control the numbers. The feds can at anytime step back in and retake the control of these critters.

I am not too familiar with PA's governing body, but I do know what New Yorks is like. I can only imagine Hillary trying to battle the feds over the cougars. She would be welcoming the cats back home again, and taking the guns away from all those who legally posess them. What a mess that would be. It is much easier to ignore the few that may be there than to open up a can of worms, is what I beleive the states take is on this. There will be a point where they can't deny them anymore if the populations increase. That will be when the real fun starts.