Mountain Lions: pilot program: permitted houndspersons.
The introduction of SB 818 is a response to growing public safety concerns in El Dorado County, where there have been increasing instances of mountain lion sightings and encounters, including fatal attacks on humans. The pilot program aims to proactively manage these encounters by restoring a fear of humans in mountain lions, thus reducing aggressive behaviors towards people and livestock. By allowing controlled hazing of mountain lions, the legislation hopes to curb the rising number of livestock losses and enhance the safety of residents in the area. This marks a shift towards nonlethal wildlife management techniques in response to population pressures and behavioral changes observed in local mountain lion populations.
Senate Bill 818, introduced by Senator Alvarado-Gil, aims to amend provisions of California's Fish and Game Code regarding the management of mountain lion populations, particularly in El Dorado County. This legislation seeks to establish a pilot program known as 'Tree and Free,' which will allow authorized houndspersons to haze mountain lions that are deemed potential threats to public safety or livestock. The program is intended as a nonlethal measure to deter mountain lions from approaching human populations and domestic animals, and is set to be developed by January 1, 2027. For five years following its commencement, the effectiveness of this pilot will be monitored, with a comprehensive report due to the Legislature by January 1, 2033.
Notably, this bill suggests a significant departure from previous wildlife management policies established under Proposition 117, which categorized mountain lions as specially protected animals, effectively prohibiting their hunting or harassment. Opponents of the former policy argue that it has contributed to an increase in dangerous encounters with mountain lions as their natural fear of humans diminishes. The bill must navigate complex legislative terrain, including potential resistance from wildlife advocacy groups concerned about the implications of allowing hounding as a management practice. The effectiveness and public acceptance of the pilot program will likely shape future wildlife management strategies in California.