Mountain Lion Foundation

All Things Lion

Featured stories from the Mountain Foundation. (Click on the image to read the story.)

	The Day the Safety Net Failed: CDFG ignores orphaned cubs and punishes rescue group
	*ON AIR Interview with* *Florida* *Panther Biologist Deborah Jansen* In this edition, MLF volunteer Julie West interviews Big Cypress National Preserve Florida Panther Biologist Deborah Jansen to discuss her work with one of the most critically endangered animals on the planet. From inbreeding, to habitat loss, and record-high roadkills, Ms. Jansen discusses some of the biggest challenges panthers are facing. Hear about her recent field work tracking and collaring the big cats in southwest Florida, and what the future may hold for Puma concolor coryi.
	*Cougar Sign: Evidence of a Lion's Presence* Seeing a lion in the wild is an especially rare occurrence. Cougars are solitary, elusive, and very stealthy. If a cougar is in the area and you are lucky enough to detect its presence, most often it will be due to "cougar sign" and not actually seeing the animal. These signs are evidence left behind after a cougar has passed through.
	ON AIR Interview with Midwestern Cougar Biologist Clay Nielsen In this edition, MLF volunteer Craig Fergus interviews Cougar Biologist Clay Nielsen on his work mapping dispersal corridors for mountain lions into the Midwest. Dr. Nielsen is the Director of Scientific Research for the Cougar Network.
	California Celebrates Twenty Years of Wildlife Protection Mountain Lion Foundation Receives Resolution from California State Senator Fran Pavley
	*Defining Mountain Lion Depredation in California* While killing a lion for depredation is historically common and culturally acceptable, it is not a productive solution and is an unnecessary loss of life. MLF has created a variety of information and tips for keeping domestic animals safe and coexisting with wildlife.
	South Dakota's "2 + 2 = 5" Mountain Lion Population Estimate Error The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks (SDGF&P) has submitted its 2010-2015 Mountain Lion Management Plan for public review. The new plan calls for reducing the state's mountain lion population by about 80 to 100 cats in order to bring their estimated population total down from an approximated 251 lions to only 150 to 170 mountain lions.
	Pen Build Scrap Book MLF has assisted pet and livestock owners all over the county with building lion-proof small livestock enclosures. This simple measure of building a pen (many are completed in a day) and tucking animals safely inside at night, helps keep both domestic and wild animals safe.
	ON AIR Interview with Research Scientist Toni K. Ruth In this edition, MLF volunteer Julie West interviews cougar biologist Toni Ruth about her decades of research on mountain lions in the US. Toni discusses interactions and competition between wolves, cougars, and bears in Yellowstone National Park.
	ON AIR Interview with Wildlands Network's Kim Vacariu In this edition, MLF volunteer Julie West interviews Kim Vacariu about his work as the Western Director for the Wildlands Network. He reveals how the Network connects with experts and local land owners to protect massive corridors of land, spanning the entire North American continent.
	ON AIR Interview with Wildlife Geneticist Ashwin Naidu In this edition, MLF broadcast intern Craig Fergus interviews Ashwin Naidu about his genetic research on the mountain lion population in Arizona's Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.
	MLF reviews an eight year old internet hoax There is an e-mail story circulating the Net about a Montana couple being saved from a mountain lion attack by their mule. ... It's too bad everything about that story is a lie.
	ON AIR Interview with Sanctuary Director Richard Gilbreth In this edition, MLF broadcaster Julie West interviews Richard Gilbreth about his work at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary. The IEAS is a unique haven for exotic animals and remains the one and only AZA certified sanctuary. Richard discusses how the animals come to live at IEAS, specifically how his two mountain lions got there, as well as what it takes for his staff to care for these animals for the rest of their lives.
	Put the Rifle Down Today In practically every case where a lion is killed as a public safety threat, there is no plan of action in place. Local authorities are faced with making a decision on the spur of the moment while parents and schools worry about the safety of their children. Armed with knowledge and a plan of action, parents and schools won't needlessly worry and authorities will have the time to make the best decision.
	ON AIR Interview with Native American Studies Teacher Steve Pavlik In this edition, MLF broadcaster Julie West interviews Steve Pavlik to learn more about the Native American view of mountain lions and other large carnivores. Mr. Pavlik discusses the field of cognitive ethology, explaining that animals have rational thoughts and emotions not unlike people. With a better understanding and respect for the mountain lion, Mr. Pavlik believes we can promote a more humane treatment of all wildlife, as well as reform Fish & Game management agencies.
	GRIM ANNIVERSARY: EIGHTY YEARS OF ADC ACT By Camilla Fox THE ANIMAL DAMAGE CONTROL ACT (ADC Act) was signed into law in 1931. The 80th anniversary of its passage this past March was hardly a cause for celebration; rather, it is an anniversary of mourning for each one of the millions of coyotes, foxes, wolves, bears, mountain lions, bobcats, badgers, Canada geese, cormorants, black birds and other animals labeled as "pests" who have been killed since this Act came into force. - Reprinted with permission from the Animal Welfare Institute
	*WILDLIFE POISONING By Julia Di Sieno, Animal Rescue Team, Inc.* A previously rare disease among wild cats has become the primary cause of death among bobcats in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA). The cats are dying from mange, a skin disease caused by a tiny parasite. The use of rat poisons is likely the underlying cause of the dramatic increase in mange-related deaths, as well as the direct cause of death for many other predatory wildlife and animals.
	*Who owns the wildlife and who should have say in how they are managed or mismanaged? By John W. Laundre, cougar researcher* Central to this issue two more fundamental questions of first, who owns the wildlife in America and second who is paying for their management/conservation? If we can answer these questions, then we at least define the "rights" of the different sides in the overall argument.
	*Guest Commentary: Trophy Hunting is the Ultimate Double-Cross By Constantine Chuchla* Trophy hunters claim to be true sportsman, heroically conquering beasts while promoting wildlife conservation. Not quite. This ego-driven and bloody pastime destroys natural ecosystems and goes against everything it means to be an outdoor enthusiast. Humans should observe and appreciate nature while preserving its integrity. By interfering - killing and removing animals for trophies - the system begins to fall apart. Obliterating nature while claiming a respect for it is the ultimate double-cross.