As the founder and director of Utah Mountain Lion Conservation, my mission is to raise awareness and improve social tolerance of mountain lions across our beautiful state. Our organization has tirelessly worked to build a collaborative network of communities, groups, and individuals who share a passion for preserving these majestic creatures. However, in recent years, Utah has become increasingly hostile towards mountain lions, and our work has never been more urgent.

A current study sanctioned by the state aims to kill as many mountain lions as possible without exception (females, males, and kittens) in six hunt units in an effort to increase mule deer numbers. However, such measures are deeply flawed and, with a population estimate of only 1,079 lions in the state, dangerously destructive. Evidence suggests that killing mountain lions destabilizes their social structures, leading to increased conflicts with humans and livestock, and ultimately will not achieve the desired outcome of increasing deer numbers. Additionally, similar studies have been conducted in other states with limited or no success. Historically, we have wiped out predators like mountain lions which resulted in ecological devastation. We know that eliminating predators is not an effective solution. Instead, other factors like habitat loss and fragmentation, drought, harsh winters, vehicle collisions, and disease transmission from domestic livestock, need to be evaluated and addressed if the state is serious about increasing deer numbers.

Furthermore, mountain lions play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health and resiliency. Removing them in large numbers can have cascading effects that compromise environmental integrity and biodiversity. Additionally, mountain lions help limit the spread of diseases like Chronic Wasting which can decimate deer herds.

This study is not supported by the vast majority of Utahns, who were not even given the opportunity to provide feedback on the study. Wildlife is held in the public trust for all wildlife stakeholder groups. On top of the ecological impact, this study jeopardizes the traditions of many Utahns who cherish the opportunity to see, pursue, and otherwise experience a mountain lion in the wild. Overall, lethally removing an entire species (which was stated they plan to do at the meeting) is not a long-term solution for deer recovery and is catastrophic for Utah’s mountain lion population and valued traditions.

Join us in demanding an immediate halt to this unnecessary and cruel mountain lion study. Sign this petition to show Utah's decision-makers that we don't support this study and, instead, want to see mountain lions managed in a balanced, science-based way, that ensures ecological balance and protects our wildlife. 

For additional impact, if you live in Utah, contact your representatives regularly and let them know that you value Utah's mountain lions and want to see them managed in a sustainable manner, where biologists are able to set reasonable limits with the goal of managing healthy and resilient populations for all. Look up your representatives here: https://le.utah.gov/GIS/findDistrict.jsp