The Mountain Lion Foundation issued the following statement in response to the Senate Committee hearing on SB 818 on April 22nd, which initially proposed to establish a “Tree and Free” pilot program allowing private individuals with hounds to pursue and haze mountain lions in El Dorado County:

“Tuesday’s vote was a win for science, public safety, and California’s legacy of wildlife protection. The committee rejected the flawed and dangerous hounding permits originally proposed and called for investments in science-based research, public education, and effective non-lethal conflict prevention strategies.

The Mountain Lion Foundation extends our thanks to committee members for taking decisive action based on science and the needs of wildlife and communities. While we are disappointed that the bill’s author, Senator Alvarado-Gil, rejected the amendments, we thank members for rejecting a proposal that could have increased human-mountain lion conflict in the state. Members of the committee instead prioritized peer-reviewed research, local community engagement, and development of best practices for minimizing conflicts, which aligns closely with the evidence-based, coexistence strategies for which the Mountain Lion Foundation advocates.

Tuesday’s hearing saw powerful testimony from witnesses opposing the legislation, including Roger Trout, a long-time resident of El Dorado County and former Director of Planning and Building, and Sharon Negri, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at the Mountain Lion Foundation.

For over three decades, California has led the nation in protecting mountain lions from needless and ruthless persecution. Protections first signed into law by Governor Ronald Reagan in 1971 and strengthened by voter-approved Proposition 117 in 1990 have withstood numerous challenges. The Mountain Lion Foundation stands firm in our commitment to defend these protections.

The amended version of SB 818 removes the originally proposed ‘Tree and Free’ hound pursuit program and instead focuses on:

• Maintaining and enhancing CDFW’s human-mountain lion conflicts program in El Dorado County
• Developing public education and outreach on methods to minimize conflicts
• Creating a grant program to help implement protective measures for livestock and domestic animals
• Expanding scientific research on mountain lion deterrence methods and conflict prevention
• Requiring regular public meetings and legislative oversight of the program

Mountain lions play a vital ecological role in California’s ecosystems. As apex carnivores, they help maintain healthy deer populations and contribute to biodiversity throughout the state. The scientific evidence does not support claims that hazing with hounds would reduce human-wildlife conflicts; in fact, non-lethal coexistence strategies focused on habitat protection, use of deterrent devices around livestock, and public education have proven far more effective.

The Mountain Lion Foundation remains committed to supporting communities through education and implementation of proven coexistence strategies. Following the tragic incident in El Dorado County in Spring 2024, we provided extensive resources and support to help residents understand how to live as safely as possible among wildlife. These proactive approaches represent the path forward for human-wildlife coexistence in California.

“The Mountain Lion Foundation remains deeply committed to working collaboratively with El Dorado County residents and communities throughout California to implement effective, science-based solutions that protect both people and mountain lions,” said R. Brent Lyles, Executive Director of the Mountain Lion Foundation.

“People who live in lion country deserve solutions that will actually  work, and we know from decades of research and on-the-ground experience that non-lethal deterrents, secure enclosures for livestock and pets, and community education are the tools that will help communities enjoy the calm and peace that comes with life in the Sierras,” he added.”