A mountain lion in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Montana. (Courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
Facing public opposition, a state commission abandoned a plan Thursday in Huron that would have reduced the mountain lion population goal in South Dakota’s Black Hills by 50 animals.
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission adopted the 2024 to 2028 Mountain Lion Action Plan with a population goal of 200-300 lions, rather than the proposed lower goal of 150-250. The plan, which is reevaluated every five years, sets population objectives and outlines strategies for monitoring, controlling and managing the animals.
The lower population target sparked hundreds of comments for and against the proposal . Written comments in the last month were split with a majority opposed but a significant minority in favor, according to the Department of Game, Fish and Parks.
Public opposition
Julie Anderson, of Rapid City, criticized the reduction proposal during the meeting, saying it would primarily benefit a small group of trophy hunters who would be able to hunt the animals in greater numbers to reduce their population.