SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The majority of hunters and residents agree that the presence of mountain lions is a sign of a healthy environment, according to a South Dakota Game Fish and Parks survey .
But how many are healthy and where do they exist and how should the state manage the population are points of discussion and disagreement.
The GFP commission will consider on Oct. 3 that the mountain lion population objective in the Black Hills area be reduced to 150 to 250 from 200 to 300.
Dan Casey lives on 12 acres near Nemo Road outside of Rapid City. Recently, a mountain lion stuck its head through the dog door at Casey’s home. Casey was six feet away. He believes the lion didn’t intend to get into the house but, it is a sign that mountain lions are getting increasingly comfortable near humans and pets, he said.
Mountain lions who enter household yards or pets are most likely “young males who are stupid and inexperienced,” said Nancy Hilding of the Prairie Hills Audubon Society . Those young, inexperienced males are the result of hunting, she said.