In 1972, after decades of heavy bounty hunting of mountain lions in California, a temporary moratorium on sport hunting went into effect. The 1990 victory for Proposition 117 was a decisive statement from voters against hunting these animals. Why then are we revisiting this issue just a few years later ?
The gun lobby is attempting to use the tragic deaths of two individuals in 1994 to justify their desire to kill these magnificent animals for fun. They claim that the law does not adequately allow for mountain lion management. What they are not telling voters is that the current management authority of the Department of Fish and Game is extensive, allowing them to shoot, on the spot, any mountain lion that is "perceived to be an imminent threat to public health or safety." Landowners may also obtain a permit to kill any mountain lions threatening their livestock or property.
The actual risk we face from mountain lions is extremely remote. In the last century, there have been 13 fatal attacks in all of North America. For each person killed by a cougar, over 300 people were killed by bees, over 1,200 people were killed by lightning, and over 1,100 people were injured or killed in hunting accidents. Goats, deer, spiders and jellyfish all present greater risks to humans than do mountain lions. The drama of these rare incidents should not be used to make Californians terrified of our wildlife, nor should it drive our policy decisions.
Not only are mountain lions at risk should 197 pass, but so is the protection of extensive habitat preserves established under Proposition 117. The Habitat Conservation Fund, created by Prop 117 in 1990, has played a vital role in protecting California wildlife by setting aside $30 million each year to acquire and restore habitat. Protection of stream and riparian lands, wetlands, wildlife corridors as well as endangered or threatened species is the result of 117's passage by the citizens of California. If Proposition 197 passes, however, the legislature can readily remove these protections and Senator Leslie has indicated his strong desire to do so. Trophy hunting is just the beginning of the potential environmental destruction we may witness under Proposition 197.
Proposition 197 takes away the protection under 117 that disallows a trophy hunting season on mountain lions. The National Rifle Association, the Safari Club International, California Rifle and Pistol Association, Gun Owners of California, and California Houndsmen for Conservation all know this and have been lobbying for this bill from the start with promises to their members of a new trophy hunting opportunity under Proposition 197.
The one scene in particular that these groups do not want voters to witness is that of the trophy hunt itself. A hunt often begins with a commercial guide releasing a pack of radio collared dogs to chase a mountain lion to exhaustion and drive it up a tree. Kittens are often orphaned or mauled by hounds during this chase. Using a hand held antenna, the guide simply walks to where his dogs have treed the terrified animal. The mountain lion may remain in the tree, under a death watch, for days. Sometimes the cat is shot in the paws to immobilize it until the trophy "hunter" can drive to the location and shoot the lion at point blank range. This unsporting and cruel activity is no more desirable a form of recreation in California today than it was in 1990. That is precisely why Proposition 197 cleverly disguises its ultimate goal with language that allows trophy hunting to masquerade as management.
We must all commit to voting NO on 197 in this March 26 electionÑand we must raise the awareness of our families, friends, and communities about this issue. This election, with an early date and heavy focus on the Republican race, will probably have a small turnout. This means that we must get those who care about the mountain lions to the polls. It also means that every vote truly makes a big difference! If you would like to learn more about how to help the No on 197 campaign, please call (916) 442-2853. The lions need your voice in this vote!
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1997
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited