By KRWG News
New Mexico – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish proposes to increase the number of bears and cougars that can be killed by hunters.
The department plans public hearings starting next week on proposed rules changes for hunting bears, cougars, antelope and deer. The agency will make final recommendations to the Game Commission on Aug. 28.
The department proposes to reduce the bear population because of "high levels of nuisance and human safety risks" in some parts of the state.
The agency says it wants to increase cougar hunting opportunities and address complaints of cougars preying on other wildlife such as desert bighorn sheep.
Proposed hunting changes are available on the department's website.
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Online:
Game and Fish Department: http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.