We had a cougar in a woodsy area east of Kansas City. Two men had owned it, probably illegally, then dumped it when they broke up.

A spokesman from the state Department of Conservation told me recently that most cougars seen in settled areas are animals like that. Most likely their teeth have been filed, their claws have been removed, they can't hunt, and they are starving.

I've heard a rumor that "pet" cougars are favorites of drug dealsers. Wouldn't surprise me.

Anybody who sees a cougar where it shouldn't be should report it, for the animal's sake and for the sake of people it might hurt in its desperation.