Thats an interesting question. Can a species be endangered and protected if it is not supposed toeven be in a state. I think that a while back there was a movement to declare cougars protected in Iowa, but then it didn't pass because too many people were afraid that they would be prosecuted for shooting one to protect their property or family. Things might have changed there though.

I don't think that cougars have a place in Illinois. That's all that I'll say[8D]