A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT adopting the Cougar as the official state cat of north carolina.
Whereas, the cougar is a member of the small cat family and is sometimes referred to as the panther, puma, catamount, mountain lion, and painter; and
Whereas, an adult cougar can reach eight feet in length, including its tail, and can weigh more than 150 pounds; and
Whereas, cougars are solitary nocturnal predators that feed primarily on deer and other small mammals; and
Whereas, cougars were once prevalent in North Carolina, but in recent years only a few sightings have been reported; and
Whereas, adopting the cougar as the official State cat of North Carolina would help bring about awareness of this magnificent animal; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 145‑22. State cat.
The cougar is adopted as the official State cat of the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.