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Has science gone by the wayside?

February 24, 2020/in News

Recently an article appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune about the decision by legislators to bring a Bill to increase the removal of mountain lions, black bears, and coyotes. This issue is disturbing and it allows us to explore the complexities that lie beyond the binary position of hunt/don’t hunt.

It was in the late 19th Century that the negative impact of westward expansion became realized. Leaders, such as Theodore Roosevelt developed attitudes and practical applications that would later become known as ‘conservation’. The damage that had been done by commercial hunting was not only responsible for the demise of large ungulate populations, but also contributed to a reduction in predators because their prey base was decimated. There was another threat on the landscape for predators in the form of Bounties. Fast forward to today in Utah, where hunt areas where harvest mortality limits that have already been met, have been re-opened under pressure from Legislators. There is not even the pretense that this has any kind of scientific basis. It is merely scapegoating the mountain lion as something that the human predator sees as competition for habitat, for herds, and feels that they can actually control, unlike climate change and other stochastic events.

There are many dedicated scientists at work trying to figure out ways to reduce conflict between domestic livestock and large carnivores. Looking to creativity and experimentation is a way of actually finding a solution. Removal is temporary, and plainly speaking a landscape that provides, food, water, shelter and space, will be quickly re-inhabited by new residents, if the existing ones are indiscriminately killed.

There are many biologists that work for State Wildlife Agencies, that are committed to ensuring stable and sustainable populations of large carnivores on the landscapes. Every animal whether predator or prey is part of a much larger picture. We must urge our decision makers to concentrate on the ecological contributions that large carnivores make, and not be swayed by the idea that removal is the only way to manage.

https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CougarFundBlack.png 0 0 Penny https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CougarFundBlack.png Penny2020-02-24 14:54:552022-10-03 21:40:51Has science gone by the wayside?

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We wouldnt cross a bridge in danger of collapse or go into a building that wasnt stable, so why do we accept the removal of keystone species for human gratification and a landscape without all the parts that keep the system functioning? Celebrating the PUMA today and everyday for what this magnificent animal gives us and our environment. https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Keystone-Species.pdf

We wouldn't cross a bridge in danger of collapse or go into a building that wasn't stable, so why do we accept the removal of keystone species for human gratification and a landscape without all the parts that keep the system functioning? Celebrating the PUMA today and everyday for what this magnificent animal gives us and our environment. cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Keystone-Species.pdf ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
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Right!

Beautifully stated.

Needed to control the whitetail population in Indiana.

So beautiful.. Love them all.

Nothing like a little face to face in the fog at night, after your ride forgot to pick you up, (the one time I left my hiking bells at home). Unless it is waking to fresh snow and big cat tracks right up to where your head had been laying while you slept. Here Yowler! Here boy! 🤣

Hunting wild animals should be outlawed and replaced with outdoor photography

Humans worst parasites

Humans are inhumane. Ironic.

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This content isn't available right now

When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
1 month ago
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Just look in the White House

There should be no hunting or trapping

The #GreatWhiteHunter is a predator..

Wow! it's that time again, The Cougar Fund is once again participating in Old Bill’s Fun Run, a community wide fundraiser through the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. During Old Bill’s gifts to participating nonprofits are partially matched, meaning your gift to the Cougar Fund has even greater impact. You can give online at oldbills.org and designate The Cougar Fund as the recipient of your gift. www.oldbills.org/give ... See MoreSee Less

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How to Give

www.oldbills.org

Learn how to give through Old Bill's of Jackson, WY - there are many ways to donate to Teton County nonprofits. By donating through Old Bill’s during the giving season, the impact of each designated...
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PlayHow do you cougar-proof a domestic animal enclosure?

A very useful presentation to help small livestock growers AND mountain lions! ... See MoreSee Less

2 months ago
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