A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT adopting the FELIS CONColor as the official state cat of north carolina.
Whereas, the Felis concolor family of cats includes varieties such as the cougar, panther, puma, catamount, bobcat, and painter; and
Whereas, these varieties of mountain lion were once prevalent in North Carolina, but in recent years only a few sightings have been reported; and
Whereas, the Felis concolor are solitary nocturnal predators that feed primarily on deer and other small mammals; and
Whereas, adopting the Felis concolor as the official State cat of North Carolina would help bring about awareness of these magnificent animals; 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 Felis concolor is adopted as the official State cat of the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.