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Michael Dunne: I’m Michael Dunne. There are annoying neighbors, really annoying neighbors, and then there are neighbors with razor-sharp claws and teeth who can outrun a car on city streets. I’m talking about one of Oregon’s most fearsome apex predators, the mountain lion. Recently, one became a transitory neighbor of people in Springfield. Late last month, one of these big cats was spotted in a tree close to houses and businesses. While the outcome was harmless for both the cougar and the neighbors, it does beg the question: How can we live with these dangerous but elusive predators now that they number more than 6,000 in Oregon? Today on the show, we’ll get a crash course in living with cougars and other dangerous animals from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, for when they venture into our neighborhoods and when we venture into theirs. Beth Quillian is the public information officer for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Beth, it’s great to talk to you again. Thanks so much for coming on the show.
Beth Quillian: You’re welcome. Thanks for having me back, Michael…