“Heart of a Lion” by Will Stolzenburg The value of storytelling can never be underestimated. Stories are the purveyors of history,  vehicles by which facts are disseminated, and the wings that let imagination soar. Our earliest communication, whether as a culture or as individual human babies, comes through the magic of stories. We learn of feats and failures, adoration […]

Wyoming has been at the forefront of gubernatorial efforts to change the Endangered Species Act. They would like it to become ‘more effective’. The current effectiveness of the ESA interferes with deliberate and sustained corporate exploitation of our environment and the flora and fauna that live there. The question is whether  the ESA was designed […]

Thank you to Carolyn Byrd and her staff for directly addressing the disturbing downward trend that will result from state management of the grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/guest_columnists/can-we-live-with-grizzly-bears/article_799688ba-e3d8-51c8-8e30-f9436d90c170.html

North Dakota Game and Fish, in partnership with South Dakota State University, has completed their first of two three-year studies of the mountain lion populations in their state. The results of the study indicate that the population is vulnerable, with a declining average age and a low survival rate. The Cougar Fund put forward positive solutions, such as creating and implementing a Mountain Lion Management Plan and emphasizing proactive conflict prevention like the use of livestock guardian dogs.

As the decision to delist grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem enters its final stages many people are weighing in on the premature rush to release the care and protection of the bears to states with a historical mandate to provide the recreational opportunity to kill them for sport. These two letters show clearly that […]

We would like to share this enlightening view of the Public Trust Doctrine as seen through the lens of the decisions being made by the Florida Wildlife Agency Commissioners. This is a long read but a ‘must see’ if you are at all concerned that your interests as a member of  the Public, are being ignored by […]

Approximately every three years the WGFD assesses mountain lion hunting season and mortality limits and uses this information to propose changes to regulations for the next three year period. The Cougar Fund submitted public comments on regulations changes that could offer more protection to female cougars traveling with young and slightly reduce mortality limits in certain hunting areas.

A woman who encountered a cougar at close distance on a Spokane area trail (and reacted appropriately) recalls the event in this article by The Spokesman-Review: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/12/out-and-about/

The Nebraska Legislature voted unanimously in favor of LB 474, a bill to create mountain lion conservation license plates. Individuals wishing to put the plates on their car will pay an additional $5 fee that will go to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to support wildlife education for youth. Click here to read the full article from the […]

Initial examination of a cougar found dead on the side of an Upper Peninsula, Michigan road in early February revealed that the cat had been caught in a neck snare. Additionally, no evidence was found to suggest the animal was shot. Officials with the Michigan DNR believe the cougar likely came from the Dakotas. The DNR is […]