USFWS isn't obligated to assist in establishing a population of cougars of dubious and/or mixed genetic background any more than they are obligated to assist in establishing a population of feral, pet wolves.
Extralimital species that turn up outside their normal range otherwise known as vagrants do not constitute a breeding population. If cougars expand their range on their own, that's a different issue.
The Florida panther is a distinct population and continues to have full protection under the Endangered Species Act as it should.