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Managing one species for the benefit of another raises some serious questions.

May 12, 2015/in News, Links

Rapid encroachment by human development together with climate change has made life even harder for ungulate populations. There are struggling herds in many areas, especially in the western united states where ungulates still share the landscape with natural predators. We have come to expect, although not agree with, the degree of palliative removal of predators that goes along with the livestock growing history of the west. Unprotected domestic livestock share our rich public lands with indigenous wildlife and conflict often ensues. In this scenario, the predators are removed for the sake of the producer.

Sadly, this mentality has now migrated to the protection of wild ungulates. The word ‘hunting’ suggests that just as it is for predator and prey-there are no guarantees. But the powerful lobby of the sportsman has put pressure on wildlife managers to provide, not only ‘opportunity’ but also a greater degree of ‘success’. It is human nature to want someone or something to blame and in the case of declining deer, elk and moose, the large carnivore is a useful scapegoat. Many states are actively pursuing policies that will reduce mortality of ungulates by exerting additive pressure on predators. This increases the number of ungulates for man to kill.

We must look very carefully at this shift to managing game species simply as ‘free ranging livestock’. They are not.

There is a significant difference between ‘managing’ wildlife and ‘manipulating’ it in response to social driven harvest demands.

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/more-tags-likely-for-black-hills-deer-hunters/article_541b5bcc-3afc-535c-9d0c-f33b6b86d056.html

https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CougarFundBlack.png 0 0 Penny https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CougarFundBlack.png Penny2015-05-12 12:19:012015-05-12 12:19:01Managing one species for the benefit of another raises some serious questions.

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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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