Hayden backs cougar sighting reports

Mike Hayden doesn’t doubt for a minute that a mountain lion is wandering around Kansas University’s west campus.

“The question, really, in Lawrence is not whether somebody saw a mountain lion; it’s, ‘Was it a wild mountain lion or was it one that got loose or was turned loose by its owners?'” said Hayden, secretary of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Hayden, who lives in Lawrence, addressed a Wednesday meeting of the University Forum at Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave.

“Rumors of mountain-lion sightings in Lawrence go back well over 30 years,” he said, noting that sightings of wild mountain lions have been confirmed in all four surrounding states.

“There have been verified sightings in Missouri, which isn’t too far away,” he said. “They’re common in Colorado. They’re rare in Oklahoma and Nebraska, but there have been verified sightings. So I think it’s only reasonable to assume they might pass through Kansas.”

In Kansas, 104 people have permits to own mountain lions. Hayden said he was looking at ways to reduce that number.

Shortly after being introduced, Hayden noted that audience member Richard League was wearing a brown fur cap.

“(Mountain lions) like rabbits. You better not wear that hat on west campus,” Hayden quipped, prompting a laugh from the audience of mostly university retirees. About 30 attended the forum.

Hayden, a Republican, served as speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives from 1983 until 1987. He was governor from 1987 to 1991.

He later served as assistant secretary of interior for fish, wildlife and parks under President George H.W. Bush.