Catch up on the latest mountain lion news by checking out our summer newsletter. In this issue, we cover the remarkability of America’s lion, Mourning Melanie the Mountain Lion, updates on our work across the nation, and so much more.
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In this webinar, Dr. Grassel will discuss several non-lethal methods for wildlife management that have been used by the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Using these methods beavers have been successfully captured and relocated when their activities have plugged culverts, impacted roads and fences, and threatened trees that are used by nesting bald eagles. In addition, prairie dogs have been captured and translocated from areas of conflict to areas where safe, new habitats have been constructed by humans. Dr. Grassel will also discuss the Tribe’s efforts to bolster its pronghorn population by sterilizing coyotes to reduce predation on pronghorn kids.
Dr. Shaun Grassel
Dr. Shaun Grassel is an enrolled member of and a Wildlife Biologist for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. He has worked for his Tribe for nearly 25 years on the conservation and management of wildlife species. Shaun’s work includes monitoring population trends of game species and focal non-game species, conducting research, and assisting in administrative duties and the development of policy. Shaun and his team are self-supported – having raised all required funding for his work from external sources for over 15 years. Shaun has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from South Dakota State University and a Doctoral degree in Natural Resources from the University of Idaho. Shaun spends his free time managing his 150-head cow/calf ranch and raising native grasses for seed production.
In this webinar, Patrick Lendrum, Senior Science Specialist for World Wildlife Fund, will be sharing a glimpse into the secret lives of mountain lions and what 10+ years of research from Panthera’s Puma Program uncovered in and around Grand Teton National Park. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is home to a complete suite of large carnivores including cougars, black bears, grizzly bears, and wolves, all of which compete for food and space making this a unique landscape. There is also a robust prey population of elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and a few others that might surprise you. And, as in most places, wildlife must navigate the influence humans have on the landscape from development and multiple land uses including grazing and hunting. In this presentation, Patrick will provide an overview of cougar habitat use, prey selection, social behavior, population dynamics and what influence wolves and humans have on the mountain lions of the region.
In case you missed it, watch it now!
Patrick Lendrum
Patrick Lendrum is the Senior Science Specialist for World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Northern Great Plains (NGP) Program. He leads the development of science priorities for the program, implementing projects to answer key scientific questions that address the loss of native grasslands and the impacts that these losses may have on the wildlife and human communities that depend on them. Patrick also oversees the measurement of progress toward the NGP Program’s conservation goals and partnerships with a variety of stakeholders in order to develop shared conservation solutions.
Prior to joining WWF Patrick earned his M.S. and Ph.D. examining the effects of human-caused land use change on wildlife communities and ways to minimize disturbance while promoting sustainable development. He has worked across the western US in a variety of habitats spanning costal rainforests to prairie grasslands, with species ranging from insects to grizzly bears. Patrick has partnered with State, Federal, Private, and NGO entities to build large-scale collaborations in diverse working landscapes. The research Patrick has been involved with has been featured in National Geographic Magazine, BBC documentaries, and published in numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles. He is thrilled to now be conducting applied science that contributes towards WWF’s mission of securing a future that meets the needs of humans and nature.
For immediate release
Date: June 11, 2021
Contact:
Debra Chase, CEO, Mountain Lion Foundation
DChase@mountainlion.org
916-442-2666 ext. 103
Arizona Game and Fish Commission votes to ban the use of trail cameras for aiding the take of wildlife.
Thanks to thousands of public comments and the 5-0 vote of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, the use of trail cameras for aiding the take of wildlife (i.e. hunting) is prohibited in Arizona effective January 1, 2022.
Payson, AZ – On Friday, June 11, 2021, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted 5-0 to ban the use of trail cameras for aiding the take of wildlife after at least three years of debate, representing a win for Arizona’s mountain lions and 800-plus native wildlife species.
In 2018, Arizona voted to ban live action trail cameras, opening up a larger public debate about whether other types of trail cameras should be allowed. In December 2020, the Commission proposed a full ban on all trail cameras used for aiding the take of wildlife. In response to public comments, the Commission proposed an amended rule that would only prohibit trail cameras from July 1 to January 31, except within ¼ mile of a developed water source. On Friday, however, the Commission decided to approve the original, year-round ban instead of the amended seasonal ban.
“What this issue comes down to for me is the issue of fair chase,” said Commissioner Clay Hernandez from Tucson. “It comes down to a question of passive surveillance or active surveillance. If we are out scouting, glassing, hiking or shed hunting, we are out in the habitat and we are providing scent, movement, patterns and sound, all of which the animals we are seeking or scouting can make use of with their resources and instincts. If we are not out there and it is just a camera, we are silent. It is that that I don’t believe constitutes fair chase.”
In recent years, trail cameras have become a nuisance in Arizona and other states as more hunters use these devices to aid their pursuit of wildlife. Many recreationists report concerns about their personal privacy, while ranchers report disturbances to their cattle operations when cameras are placed near water sources. Additionally, the natural movement of wildlife species that rely on scarce water sources is interrupted when trail cameras are placed in the field and frequently checked.
“In all states where mountain lion hunting is allowed, hunters use many technologies and practices that give them an unfair advantage, such as hounds, electronic calls and trail cameras,” said Logan Christian, Region II Conservation Advocate for Mountain Lion Foundation. “This decision to ban trail camera use for aiding the take of wildlife is an important step towards improving fair chase hunting practices.”
The ban will go into effect on January 1, 2022. Trail cameras used for general wildlife photography, research, cattle management or any reason other than hunting will remain legal.
Founded in 1986, the Mountain Lion Foundation is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure that America’s lion survives and flourishes in the wild.
For immediate release
Date : June 11, 2021
Contact:
Debra Chase, CEO, Mountain Lion Foundation
DChase@mountainlion.org
916-442-2666 ext. 103
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approves 2022 hunt
Chadron, NE – On June 11, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission voted unanimously to approve a 2022 mountain lion hunt in the state’s Pine Ridge region. Nebraska’s mountain lion population in the region is far too small to sustain a hunt and permitting a hunt at all is overly aggressive, unsustainable, and jeopardizing their long-term viability.
As of 2019, the mountain lion population in the Pine Ridge was estimated at 34 individuals, including kittens. This number does not include the 11 lions killed in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. When you factor in lions removed by hunters, the population size dwindles to 23. If 2/3 of the population is of adult age, then the population proposed to be hunted is closer to 15 individuals. This estimate does not include lions that may have been killed by other sources of human-caused mortality.
“Allowing trophy hunters to target such a small population is poor management and is not supported by science,” stated Denise Peterson, Conservation Advocate for the Mountain Lion Foundation. She continued, “Mountain lions have only recently reclaimed this small portion of their former range. Permitting this hunt threatens their long-term survival in the state and is not supported by the majority of Nebraskans.”
We asked the Commission to stop the hunt to preserve the few mountain lions that remain in Nebraska. Despite our request, feedback from the public, and science that shows that hunting such a small population threatens its long-term viability, the hunt will move forward. However, our fight is not over. We will continue to our efforts in Nebraska until mountain lions are protected from poor management decisions such as this.
If you want to support our efforts or get involved in Nebraska, visit MountainLion.org.
Founded in 1986, the Mountain Lion Foundation is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure that America’s lion survives and flourishes in the wild.
We have joined a lawsuit against renegade Sheriff Songer in Klickitat County, Washington for unlawfully killing cougars. The Sheriff went rogue in 2019 convening a large posse to kill cougars just for being seen or living their natural lives in their natural environment.
This cougar killing program has resulted in the slaughtering of at least 16 cougars between August 2019 and July 2020. Just. For. Existing.
The lawsuit seeks a declaration by the court that the agency’s use of hounds to hunt cougars is unconstitutional, as well as a judgment stripping the civilian posse of any credentials to hunt cougars with the use of hounds or other means.
It also seeks a judgment by the court barring the sheriff’s office from killing cougars damaging property without authorization from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
Please help us stop this cruel and inhumane practice by the Klickitat Sheriff and his posse.
We must move faster to protect these beautiful lions. Please give today to Stop the Sheriff and help Save Washington’s Cougars.
For immediate release
Date: May 24, 2021
Contact: Debra Chase, CEO, Mountain Lion Foundation
DChase@mountainlion.org
916-442-2666 ext. 103
Carmel Area State Parks adds over 1600 acres for mountain lions!
Thanks to public support and the 6-0 vote of the California Parks and Recreation Commission, we now have 1200 more acres in natural preserve for mountain lions!
Sacramento, CA – On Friday, May 21, 2021, the California Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to approve the Carmel Area State Parks General Plan which included the creation of a New State Park consisting of 1604 acres which incorporates the Hatton Canyon and Point Lobos Ranch properties.
The New State Park will be called Ishxenta (Eesh-hen-ta) State Park, reflecting the original name given to the area from the Rumsen people whose presence substantially predates Spanish and Euro-Americans settlement.
Ishxenta State Park consists of two new Natural Preserves, recognizing the Point Lobos Ranch was purchased with Proposition 117 Mountain Lion Initiative funds. The Natural Preserve sub-classification is one of the highest levels of protection State Parks has for areas of special biological significance.
“Having worked on the Carmel Area State Park General Plan since 2012 it is exceptional to see some of California’s most unique and rare habitat types preserved for mountain lions and for the people of California,” stated Stephen Bachman, California Senior Park & Recreation Specialist.
“The Mountain Lion Foundation championed passage of Proposition 117 in 1990, which outlawed the sport hunting of mountain lions in California and also created the Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) to acquire, enhance, or restore specified types of lands for wildlife or open space,” said Debra Chase, CEO of the Mountain Lion Foundation, “It is great to see these funds being put to good use to protect critical mountain lion habitat.”
The Point Lobos Ranch Property preserves and protects a scenic, naturally sensitive, and culturally important landscape, including high-elevation vistas offering spectacular views of Carmel Bay and the coastline. The land supports one of the world’s largest intact native Monterey pine forests, globally significant populations of the rare Gowen cypress, and other rare maritime chaparral habitat.
“We are losing far too much lion habitat to human encroachment and habitat fragmentation, it is critically important that we are intentional in our conservation and preservation of biodiversity, particularly as we face the unknowns of climate change,” said Chris Bachman, Region 1 Conservation Advocate for the Mountain Lion Foundation.
Founded in 1986, the Mountain Lion Foundation is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure that America’s lion survives and flourishes in the wild.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting public comment now through June 9, 2021 at 1:00 PM CT.Nebraska’s mountain lions are in peril. In May 2021, Nebraska Game and Parks released their recommendations for yet another mountain lion hunt for the 2022 season. The recommendations are for a total of four mountain lions or a sublimit of two females in the Pine Ridge region. This is despite the fact that Nebraska has such a small population of lions, with the most recent population estimate being approximately 34 total cats (adults and kittens).
Given this population’s precarious foothold in the region, it cannot withstand any hunting whatsoever.
To submit comment:
All interested persons may attend and testify orally at the public hearing, but are strongly encouraged to submit written testimony prior to the public hearing in order to protect public health and assist in compliance with restrictions on public gatherings. Interested persons or organizations may submit written comments prior to the hearing, which will be entered into the hearing record if they: 1) include a request to be included as part of the hearing record; 2) include the name and address of the person or organization submitting the comments; and 3) are received by 1:00 p.m. CT, June 9, 2020 by Sheri Henderson at the Lincoln office, 2200 North 33rd Street, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370.
Updates will be posted here and on our Nebraska Action page.
May 20, 2021 @ 1:00PM — 2:30PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Join us for a conversation about growing food for humans in a changing climate – enhancing, protecting and preserving the wild landscape and building community in a multi species world.
If you missed it, watch it now!
“Wildness is a medium for mindfulness, a
consciousness in which cultivation transforms into
community and harvest into communion through the
shared language of being—of life itself.”
― Daniel Firth Griffith, Wild Like Flowers
Join us for a conversation about growing food for humans in a changing climate – enhancing, protecting and preserving the wild landscape and building community in a multi species world. We will discuss emerging young farmer perspectives, who they are, what methods they use and why it matters to all of us.
When a person decides to live on the urban edge, amid the rural valleys and the forests, among the wild things, there is an inherent responsibility to coexist within the space shared with other species of plants and animals. This is not the way of traditional farming and ranching.
Farming and Ranching with the Wild is taking on a responsibility to care for the domestic plants and animals raised and the wild native plants and animals whose space is shared. A community is built that favors the health and well-being of people and animals on both sides of the fence.
These farmers are on opposite sides of the Great Mississippi, one on the northern coast of California the other in middle Virginia. They are among a growing number of young farmers and ranchers that have chosen to regenerate and appreciate the wild lands and the wild life within, whilst raising livestock and growing crops for their community and themselves.
Meet the Farmers:
Daniel Firth Griffith
Daniel Firth Griffith is a storyteller, regenerative farmer, and a lover of the wildwoods. A first-generation farmer with a background in high-technology and entrepreneurship, Daniel’s life pivoted after being diagnosed with a life-threatening and degenerative genetic disease in 2012. He turned to farming—what ultimately emerged into regenerative conservation work—as “the last resort” in his health journey. What he found, however, was a life complete with abundance, joy, and health.
Daniel is the founder of Timshel Wildland, a 400-acre regenerative, process-led, and emergent conservation landscape in Central Virginia that partners with the wild world to co-create nutritious abundance—beef, pork, lamb, poultry, ancient vegetables, fruit, and peace. He is the Director of the Robinia Institute, a regional Hub of the Savory Institute that offers courses, consultations, and apprenticeships in the fields of natural citizenship, holistic management, and wild ecology. Under Daniel’s leadership, Robinia is pioneering land transition and regenerative scaling capital and consulting projects alongside bioregion-wide producer network emergence to co-create a uniformly diverse abundance in their region. Daniel is an acclaimed author, speaker, emergent conservationist, and an unworthy father to Elowyn, Tecumseh, and Sequoia.
His published works include: Boone: An Unfinished Portrait and Wild Like Flowers: The Restoration of Relationship Through Regeneration.
Gowan Batist
Agriculture and land management have always been an important part of Gowan Batist’s life. She is a Master Gardener, and studied Sustainable Agriculture through Oregon State University’s Extension Service. After graduating, she moved to Mendocino County to manage the farm-to-school program and the Noyo Food Forest. In 2013, Gowan Batist and her family founded Fortunate Farm. Together with North Coast Brewing Company, they purchased 40 acres–13 of which are owned by North Coast Brewing Company and 27 are owned by the Batist family. Gowan Batist manages the whole 40-acre farm as North Coast’s Sustainability Manager. The 40-acre farm located in Mendocino County produces heirloom vegetables and fresh cut flowers. To enhance the diversity of her farm, Batist also raises flock of sheep and sells the wool to local fiber artists.
Fortunate Farm utilizes sustainable farming methods such as swale contour beds to improve water storage and protect against erosion. Rotational grazing naturally adds sheep manure to the soil and increases soil fertility, eliminating the need to manually add manure to the soil. The mission of her farm is to “Feed people nutritionally dense foods, sequester carbon and empower our community.”
Webinar Bonus!
Throughout the webinar a random drawing will take place giving away 10 of Daniel’s book Wild Like Flowers: The Restoration of Relationship Through Regeneration.
All webinar attendees will have the opportunity to receive 25% off the purchase price of an autographed copy of the book Wild Like Flowers: The Restoration of Relationship Through Regeneration.
We wanted to share an update from the No Roads to Ruin Coalition of which we are a part. Along with the Coalition, we have actively been working to halt the development of the toll roads that would further fragment crucial habitat that Florida panthers and other wildlife rely on for survival.“Campaign Update! No Roads to Ruin Steering Committee Statement on SB 100:
We are eternally grateful for all the time and effort No Roads to Ruin Coalition partners and individual activists have devoted to this cause. We honor them and their work to ensure a better future for Florida.
The No Roads to Ruin Steering Committee did not support SB 100 because the bill did not stop all of the roads at the heart of M-CORES. SB 100 moves our state in the wrong direction and leaves North Florida’s rural communities and natural resources at risk. Florida needs a 21st Century transportation policy that takes us away from new roads through environmentally sensitive areas and towards sustainable transportation alternatives. As such, with two of three toll road threats remaining, we cannot proclaim that its passage and expected signing by the Governor as a triumph.
Only two years ago many of the same Florida Legislators who supported SB 100 voted nearly unanimously to approve the three Roads to Ruin. The 2021 Florida legislature had the opportunity to fully repeal M-CORES with the introductions of SB 1030/HB 763. However, neither bill was ever heard in committee.
Removing the toll road that would have imperiled the Western Everglades and existentially threatened the Florida panther is a tremendous relief. With fewer than 230 Florida panthers remaining, protecting them and their habitat is critically important for their survival and recovery. Removal of an imminent Southwest Central Corridor helps with this fight.
What SB 100 does and does not do:
