Taking Aim at Mountain Lion Proposition

Six years ago, a state ballot initiative banned the hunting of mountain lions--also called cougars or pumas--allowing the animals to be killed by state officials only when they pose a threat to public safety.

But if voters repeal their special protection with Proposition 197 in the March 26 state primary election, hunting the cougars would be allowed to control their population.

Animal rights groups and hunters bitterly debate the population statistics and dispute how aggressive mountain lions really are. Although two women were killed in separate mountain lion attacks in California in 1994, some argue that attacks on humans are rare.

Should the hunting of mountain lions be allowed?

State Sen. Hilda Solis (D-El Monte):

“There is no clear-cut evidence that there is an overpopulation of mountain lions. . . . I still believe in banning the hunting of mountain lions. . . . I’m an advocate of common sense. Don’t just let hunters go out and shoot at anything that looks like a lion. I just think the political climate has changed somewhat and people may not be thinking through what the impact may be overall. . . . We are the ones that have invaded [the cougar’s] territory.”

Mario Fajardo, Lancaster, deer hunter and outdoors enthusiast:

“I think that a more rational approach to wildlife management is very important and Proposition 197 is going to benefit the mountain lion in California. . . . In my opinion, a little fear of man in these animals is good for people and those animals. The situation is, we have had several generations of mountain lions that have learned never to fear man because they have never been hunted.”

Carol Rosenberg, Agoura Hills resident and member of the California Wildlife Protection Coalition and the No on 197 committee:

“Ignorance and deception--not the mountain lion--are the enemies here. The harmful acts of an individual animal does not provide us with the license to wreak vengeance on an animal population that for the most part are elusive, private and really bothering no one. . . . There has been a massive and blatant misinformation and smear campaign against the mountain lion. [The] great threat to public safety would be brought about by the hunters.”

Ralph Lingle, president of the Sportsman’s Council of Central California:

“The issue in Proposition 197 is not hunting. It’s management of mountain lions. . . . I think the [population] estimates are low. . . . There are more lions than there is food available for them. . . . They’re going to look for alternate sources, dogs cats, even human beings . . . That provision (for sport hunting) is not being touched by 197, so you can’t have a trophy hunt.”

Madeline Bernstein, executive director of the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:

“My answer is the ban should not be lifted. That under current law, under Proposition 117--which the voters have already put in place--the Department of Fish and Game is empowered to destroy any mountain lion that poses a threat to public safety. The only reason Proposition 197 is on the ballot is to allow the sport hunting of lions.”

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