Cops Kill Mountain Lion: Community Uproar

For the first time in 50 years, Texas updates mountain lion hunting standards. Now, one is dead.

Ranchers, trappers, hunters, hippies, biologists, and advocates all converged to support more respectful management of our cats. - Ben Masters, Texans for Mountain Lions

Last week, a mountain lion was killed in South Texas. https://www.facebook.com/LaredoPoliceDepartment/posts/961342003756127

The public is outraged. The Laredo Police Department claims they had "no choice" due to the "potential danger". https://www.facebook.com/LaredoPoliceDepartment/posts/961342003756127

The mountain lion did not harm anyone during containment, but an officer used deadly force.

Texans call the death a "disgrace". People are criticizing the police and local wildlife officials for lacking resources and training to handle the situation.

Mountain lions are rarely seen in Texas, primarily in the Trans-Pecos region and South Texas. There are a few hundred to 7,000 mountain lions in the state.

There has never been a recorded death by a mountain lion in Texas. In 2020, a man died in North Texas, but the cause is contentious. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/investigations/2021/09/23/authorities-say-a-hood-county-man-was-killed-by-a-cougar-texas-wildlife-experts-say-its-impossible/

The parks department describes them as "uncommon, secretive animals". In 70 years, only eight attacks have occurred in Big Bend National Park.