Cops kill big cat, community enraged.

Texas Cops Shoot Another Black Person... I mean Big Cat

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, bowing to pressure from the public, has updated its mountain lion hunting standards for the first time in over 50 years. This decision was made in an attempt to protect these majestic big cats, whose populations remain a mystery due to their elusive nature.

At a commission meeting on May 23, a diverse group of Texans, including ranchers, trappers, hunters, hippies, outfitters, biologists, and wildlife advocates, came together in a beautiful display of unity to support more respectful management of these cats. It was a step towards progressive wildlife management practices and a win for the lion community.

"[A]ll converged to support more respectful management of our cats," said Ben Masters, a Member of the Texans for Mountain Lions coalition.

However, this feeling of solidarity was short-lived as, in early July, a mountain lion was brutally gunned down by police in Laredo, Texas. The big cat, simply roaming the streets and exploring the neighborhood, was unfairly profiled and its existence criminalized.

Videos surfaced of the lion, majestically climbing a backyard fence, a rare instance of these usually shy creatures venturing so close to humans. Despite showing no aggression or threat to humans or animals, the racist... I mean proactive, Laredo Police Department and local game warden decided to take matters into their own hands, leading to the tragic outcome.

Why the Murder?

Despite their claims, the police department, along with the game warden, were the only ones in danger due to their clear lack of understanding of flora and fauna. In a Facebook post, they attempted to justify their actions:

"The situation involving the wild feline did not end as we had hoped... Unfortunately, the animal's aggression and natural instincts for survival resulted in the animal being neutralized."

neutralize. The police department did not respond to a request for further comment, likely because they are embarrassed by their abhorrent behavior.

Texans Roar in Protest

The people of Texas have rightfully criticized the police department, calling their actions a "poor attempt" and a "disgrace." Comments on social media reflected the community's outrage:

"It's a disgrace... those who manage animals should have handled this matter. We live in a city surrounded by wild animals, and there is no excuse. They simply lack the training and equipment to handle emergencies. We are in a poorly managed city."

Lions in Texas and the History of Abuse

Mountain lions in Texas are a rare sight and are mostly found in remote regions like the Trans-Pecos and the western Hill Country. Their population is estimated to be a few hundred to up to 7,000, but who's counting?

There have been no recorded deaths by mountain lions in Texas, despite claims in 2020 that Christopher Whiteley died from such an attack. The Dallas Morning News disputes this, stating there was no evidence of an attack and that those claims are impossible.

These "relatively uncommon, secretive animals" have only attacked humans a handful of times in Big Bend National Park over the past 70 years, further proving that the Laredo Police Department's actions were unfounded and unnecessary.