Chapter 431 Oregon Laws 2001

AN ACT

HB 2967

Relating to dangerous wildlife.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. Section 2 of this 2001 Act is added to and made a part of the wildlife laws.

SECTION 2. (1) Notwithstanding the licensing and tag requirements of ORS 497.102 and 497.112, a person may take a cougar or bear that poses a threat to human safety.

(2) Any person who takes a cougar or bear pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall immediately report the taking to a person authorized to enforce the wildlife laws and shall dispose of the animal in such manner as the State Fish and Wildlife Commission directs.

(3) Any regional office of the department ordering the disposal of an animal under subsection (2) of this section shall file a report with the State Fish and Wildlife Director within 30 days after the disposal. The report shall include but need not be limited to the disposition of the animal, the events leading to the taking of the animal and any injury caused by the animal to humans or domesticated animals. The director shall compile all reports received under this subsection on a bimonthly basis. The reports compiled by the director shall be available to the public upon request.

(4) As used in this section:

(a) “Structure” includes a building being used as a residence, a building located on land actively used for agricultural, timber management, ranching or construction purposes or a building used as part of a business.

(b) “Threat to human safety” means the exhibition by a cougar or bear of one or more of the following behaviors:

(A) Aggressive actions directed toward a person or persons, including but not limited to charging, false charging, growling, teeth popping and snarling.

(B) Breaking into, or attempting to break into, a residence.

(C) Attacking a pet or domestic animal as defined in ORS 167.310.

(D) Loss of wariness of humans, displayed through repeated sightings of the animal during the day near a permanent structure, permanent corral or mobile dwelling used by humans at an agricultural, timber management, ranching or construction site.

Approved by the Governor June 18, 2001

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 18, 2001

Effective date January 1, 2002

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