In 19th-century footage, a bounty hunting cougar**, captured by naturalist Edward William Nelson, bears witness to a bloody history of this species. The cougar, a large carnivorous cat that inhabits the American continent, stretches from the forests of Canada to the Andes Mountains of South America. As the most widespread species of big cats in the Western Hemisphere, they play an integral role in the natural arena. 
However, as early European immigrants tread in the footsteps of the continental United States, the cougar's fortunes began to turn. In order to protect their livestock and personal safety, these migrants see the cougars as a thorn in their side and even see the killing of them as a responsibility. A mass hunt and expulsion of cougars began, and their living space was gradually reduced to the western United States. In those days, cougars were labeled as demons, and people fearfully called them ghost cats, Indian devil cats, etc. Rumors swirl that they will actively attack humans, jumping from trees to attack horses, and even breaking into residents' homes. These fears have made cougars the object of hunting, and their numbers have decreased dramatically. However, over time, advances in science have gradually overturned these fear-based biases. Studies have shown that the threat to humans and livestock from cougars is not as serious as one might think. This scientific discovery has prompted a re-examination of the way mountain lions are managed, and to some extent corrected the mass killing of cougars due to fear. 
By the 70s of the 20th century, there was another surge in attacks on cougars, causing panic among the public. This led to another mass hunt of cougars, and the population fell again. U.S. states are beginning to re-examine the way the cougars are managed and have taken a number of steps to protect the species. Since 2008, there have been no more cougar injuries. People are beginning to realize that the role of cougars in the ecosystem should not be underestimated. As apex predators, they are able to control the populations of other animals and maintain ecological balance. In addition, cougars promote species diversity and genetic diversity. Therefore, the protection of the cougar is not only to protect the species itself, but also to protect the entire ecosystem. 
To achieve this, U.S. states have taken a range of measures to protect cougars. In some suitable areas, sanctuaries for cougars have been established to provide them with a relatively safe environment to protect them from the threat of illegal hunting and habitat destruction. In addition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has developed a project called the Cougar Restoration Program, which aims to protect and restore the cougar population. Despite this, there are still many challenges to the survival of the cougar. Habitat loss, climate change, and human activities are all significant factors that threaten the survival of the cougar. Therefore, there is still a long way to go to protect the cougars. 
Overall, what happened to the cougar is a profound lesson for us. Before mass hunting and deportation, we need to understand and assess the impact of species on people and ecosystems. In addition, we need to realize that each species in the ecosystem has its own unique role and value, and to protect them is to protect our own home. The story of the cougar is a delicate battle of survival, reproduction, and the laws of nature, as well as a cautionary tale about human intervention in natural ecosystems.