The measure attempts to hide trophy hunting behind a self-serving, disingenuous concern about public safety. The Department of Fish and Game already has the ability to protect the public from any mountain lion that is a threat. Proposition 117 incorporated the Fish and Game Commission's regulations for the management of mountain lions that threaten livestock, domestic animals and other property. Furthermore, Proposition 117 makes it clear that any mountain lion that is "perceived" to be a threat to public safety may be killed.
To prepare for the March 26, 1996 election, the broad coalition that gathered over 700,000 signatures and passed Prop. 117 will be re-energized to protect the public's decision to ban trophy hunting of mountain lions. A broad range of individuals and organizations have formed the California Wildlife Protection Coalition in order to defeat the re-introduction of mountain lion trophy hunting.
When the truth is known about SB 28, the Coalition believes the voters will defeat this measure in March. Clearly, this is a move by trophy hunters and houndsmen to abuse California's wildlife. Relentlessly chasing mountain lions with a pack of hounds and, then, shooting them from the branch of a tree at point blank range is not "management". It's a "sport" as primitive as bull fighting and cock-fighting, both of which are illegal in California. Furthermore, this bill will spend $1.2 million to create management zones for hunting mountain lions. Within these zones lions can be killed for simply eating their food - deer.
The Department of Fish and Game already has the authority today to protect people from mountain lions. SB 28 is unnecessary, special interest legislation. The voters will reject it.
Please call the Coalition's campaign office if you have any questions about mountain lions and this issue, or would like to work on the campaign. The number is (916)442-2853.
Concern for public safety would be better served by funding an education and public safety campaign. Signs should be erected in state parks, warning of mountain lions and outlining safety tips. Brochures could be printed for hikers and others who use the parks. A few public service announcements in the media could warn of the dangers, and give the rules, which are simple: Don't hike alone, don't hike between dusk and dawn when mountain lions are active. Keep children close to you in mountain lion country. If you spot a mountain lion, don't run from it. Shout, make noise and try to appear larger.
The hunting lobby fails to mention that attacks on humans are increasing elsewhere in the West, including those states that allow trophy hunting. The two recent deaths of humans by cougars gave hunters wanting to bag the predators an opening. Most experts agree the reason for attacks is more human activity in their environment. There are only between 5,000 to 6,000 cats left; they are virtually extinct in the eastern two-thirds of the nation. Attacks are rare; every year about 200 Americans are killed in encounters with animals. Mountain lions rank 16th on the list, well behind deer.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004
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