SB 818 would create a permit for pursuing mountain lions with hounds, allowing the public to purchase a license to chase and harass mountain lions. The bill is contrary to the provisions of Proposition 117, the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990, and contrary to the spirit of wildlife protection and restoration that won that proposition broad and sustained public support.

This bill is founded on flawed scientific claims and would interfere with existing research in the region proposed for a pilot study. Because SB 818 is based on a misunderstanding of the behavior and ecology of mountain lions, it risks significant harm to that specially protected species and to the human and ecological communities that coexist with and rely upon mountain lions.

SB 818 is:

• Unlawful
• Bad science
• Bad for mountain lions
• Bad for communities, pets, and livestock

There are more effective and cheaper solutions to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Wildlife-proof enclosures, motion-activated deterrents, livestock guardian animals, and education about proper wildlife safety measures are proven strategies to reduce unwanted encounters with mountain lions. The Mountain Lion Foundation and our conservation partners strongly oppose this legislation as an unnecessary and harmful threat to mountain lions and Californians.