The future of big cat hunting in Colorado is being challenged.
A bill was recently introduced in the state’s Senate that would ban the hunting of mountains, bobcats and other large cats in the state. Recent developments, however, suggest that the bill may be losing support. Bill SB22-031 prohibits the “shooting, wounding, killing or trapping a bobcat, Canada lynx or mountain lion.” The bill was initially sponsored by state senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Joann Ginal, along with representatives Judy Amabile and Monica Duran. READ MORE
Wyoming’s push to delist grizzly bears from endangered species list faces opposition from anti-hunting group
The prospect of hunting the bears has caught the attention of animal rights activists
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove grizzly bears roaming the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from the endangered species list, a move that faces opposition from anti-hunting groups.
“This is an extraordinary and monumental success story for species recovery and should be celebrated,” Gordon said last week announcing the petition. “The GYE grizzly bear is ready to join the ranks of the bald eagle, American alligator, peregrine falcon and brown pelican as receiving proper recognition as a thriving, recovered and stable species.” READ MORE
In Arizona
Traditionally, the guidelines review process has been an opportunity to maximize hunting based on hunters’ input. But a coterie of groups are hoping their concerns about the way native carnivores are managed will also be considered and given equal weight alongside consumptive users.
Three species fall into this category in Arizona: mountain lions, bobcats, and black bears. According to the groups focused on these species, these animals are mostly hunted for sport, with bobcats an exception. Trappers prize their winter belly fur for sale in the fur trade. READ MORE
