Could Cougars Be Coming Back To Upstate New York?

Imagine driving on Route 12 up North to Old Forge. Could you potentially see Cougars on the side of the road once again? Maybe. 

WNBF is reporting on a study from the University of Washington that says reintroduction of cougars in Upstate could reduce deer/vehicle crashes by 22 percent. Experts say that the deer population has grown very large since the animals are not being taken by large predators like wolves and cougars. The findings from the first study suggest that bringing these animals back, would help reduce the deer population.

HOWEVER, State officials are reporting they are not looking to bring the big cats back just yet.

Meanwhile, there has been no hard information about the impact cougars would have on other parts of the environment and possible interaction with residents."

Do you think it would be a good idea to bring cougars back? Or Bad?

BONUS VIDEO- WHAT DID WE FIND ON THE GROUND?