Below is a recent article in our local paper about the DNR working to regulate the taking of Mountain Lions and Black Bears in Iowa.
A growing Concern: Wild Mountain Lions
DNR Fish and Wildlife expert
Richard Bishop recently discussed
the reemergence of wild mountain lions
and black bears in Iowa with
the Natural Resources Committee.
Because of the reappearance of
these animals in the wild in Iowa, the
department is seeking legislation
to protect them from unrestricted
or unregulated hunting. Bishop
acknowledged recent confirmed
sightings of mountain lions in three more
Iowa Counties ( Carroll, Freemont and
Ringold), and noted that a black bear sow
and two cubs were seen in two northern
east Iowa counties ( Allamakee and
Winnesheik) last year. Bishop
explained that it is believed that these
lions are migrating eastward from existing
growing populations in the Rocky Mountains\
and High Plains. He indicated that he thought that
Colorado's prohibition on the trapping
of mountain lions might be a significant
factor, along with plentiful prey, on why
the cats are moving to western Iowa.
Several members of the
committee expressed serious concern
about how Iowans might fell about sharing
the outdoors of state with a large
predator capable of killing both humans and livestock.
Bishop tried to reassure the committee the
DNR protection of these predators
would still allow for the removal
of problem animals.
A growing Concern: Wild Mountain Lions
DNR Fish and Wildlife expert
Richard Bishop recently discussed
the reemergence of wild mountain lions
and black bears in Iowa with
the Natural Resources Committee.
Because of the reappearance of
these animals in the wild in Iowa, the
department is seeking legislation
to protect them from unrestricted
or unregulated hunting. Bishop
acknowledged recent confirmed
sightings of mountain lions in three more
Iowa Counties ( Carroll, Freemont and
Ringold), and noted that a black bear sow
and two cubs were seen in two northern
east Iowa counties ( Allamakee and
Winnesheik) last year. Bishop
explained that it is believed that these
lions are migrating eastward from existing
growing populations in the Rocky Mountains\
and High Plains. He indicated that he thought that
Colorado's prohibition on the trapping
of mountain lions might be a significant
factor, along with plentiful prey, on why
the cats are moving to western Iowa.
Several members of the
committee expressed serious concern
about how Iowans might fell about sharing
the outdoors of state with a large
predator capable of killing both humans and livestock.
Bishop tried to reassure the committee the
DNR protection of these predators
would still allow for the removal
of problem animals.