Victory For Mountain Lions: Proposed Hunting & Trapping Bill Defeated In Wyoming

In a significant victory for mountain lions, Wyoming’s House Bill No. HB0286 was defeated after failing to progress beyond the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife Committee on Tuesday, due to strong opposition from lawmakers and wildlife organizations.

Had HB0286 passed, it would have dismantled vital protections for mountain lions, subjecting these majestic creatures to unrestricted hunting and trapping. The bill sought to deregulate mountain lion hunting by eliminating bag limits, mortality quotas, and designated hunting hours, effectively allowing the killing of mountain lions at any time of the day or night. It would have also permitted hunters with licenses for other species—such as antelope, deer, or elk—to kill mountain lions without obtaining a specific mountain lion hunting license.

A particularly cruel aspect of the bill was its allowance of trapping and snaring—inhumane practices that inflict immense suffering on wildlife. Conservationists warned that the passage of this legislation could have had devastating consequences, not only for mountain lions but for Wyoming’s entire ecosystem. As apex predators, mountain lions play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating prey populations. Without them, unchecked prey populations could lead to overgrazing, habitat degradation, and negative cascading effects on other species of wildlife.

Proponents of the bill argued that killing more mountain lions would benefit mule deer populations, but scientific evidence contradicts this claim. Research indicates that mountain lions help maintain healthy deer populations by culling weaker and sick animals, preventing the spread of disease. Disrupting this natural predator-prey relationship could have led to unintended consequences, including increased competition among deer for limited resources.

Another alarming aspect of the bill was the repeal of Wyoming’s “pursuit season,” a regulation designed to prevent overhunting. Removing this restriction would have opened the door to reckless killing, pushing mountain lion populations to dangerously low levels.

Additionally, by forcing mountain lions to flee deeper into human-occupied areas to escape relentless hunting, the bill could have increased human-wildlife conflicts, putting both people and animals at risk.

Had HB0286 been enacted, it would have undone years of conservation efforts and placed Wyoming’s mountain lions in grave danger. Fortunately, lawmakers declined to move the bill forward, preventing these disastrous consequences.

This critical decision is a testament to the power of public awareness and opposition. Advocates warn that similar legislation may emerge in the near future, making continued vigilance essential in the fight to protect Wyoming’s iconic wildlife.