In the serene wilderness of Larimer County, Colorado, a tragedy unfolded that not only claimed the life of a hiker but also thrust the majestic mountain lion into unjust peril. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in their investigation of a fatal mountain lion attack on the Crosier Mountain trail, resorted to drastic measures. Without substantial evidence pinning the cause of death to these creatures, the authorities shot at, chased with dogs, and ultimately killed two mountain lion yearling cubs in a bid to control what they perceived to be a threat.

These animals were only a year old, and they need their moms for up to two years.  Where was their mom?  Why weren't these cougar cubs brought to a wildlife rehabilitation centre for orphaned animals?

And the government agents hunted down more pumas until DNA evidence showed who was allegedly involved.  One puma kitten was not involved but killed and dissected anyway, since she was nearby. A hunt for more was called off only after hunting dogs could not find any more.  https://cpw.state.co.us/news/01052026/cpw-update-larimer-county-mountain-lion-investigation​

https://cpw.state.co.us/news/01022026/cpw-investigating-suspected-fatal-mountain-lion-attack-larimer-county

This indiscriminate killing practice is heartbreaking and counterproductive. One puma kitten, initially shot at, was later pursued with dogs, and callously killed. He was the one allegedly involved, but the killing continued.  One more kitten met a similar fate, tracked and shot down with the aid of dogs. The protocol that followed these killings only adds to the cruelty: the animals were shot, beheaded for rabies testing, their stomachs sliced open, and DNA evidence was collected only after they were dead.  "Proof" this was a cougar attack was human DNA on the paws of the male kitten who was chased by hunting dogs, injured , and later killed.  

Notice that rabies is tested in humans with no such violence; rabies is detected in saliva tests when testing a human.  And no human is killed and then proven innocent. This is an act of blatant speciesism.  

What's particularly distressing is that the mountain lion near the unfortunate incident had been successfully hazed by other hikers, proving that non-lethal measures can indeed work.  The real problem was people allowing off leash dogs in the area, which lead to negative encounters between dogs and pumas.  Yet, conservation officers seemed to be on a relentless pursuit to eliminate more of these creatures, embarking on what appears to be a witch hunt rather than a balanced approach to wildlife management.  This lethal approach was not only cruel to the pumas, but also to the hunting dogs, who could have been killed by the pumas.  Having authorities with off leash dogs send the wrong message.

In Canada, an incident where school children on a field trip were bitten by a mother grizzly bear.  Bears in the area were cage trapped and DNA tested on live animals, who were then relocated.  (The bears involved were never found).  No need to kill.  

We, the community, urge Colorado Parks and Wildlife to change their killing policy and adopt more humane and scientifically-backed methods in managing and preventing wildlife interactions.  Dogs off leash need to be banned from the park. 

In case of attacks, pumas could be either intense hazed in field, or, if removal is needed, humane live capture, DNA test, release animals who were not involved, and bring any animals who were involved to a big cat rescue.  Big cat rescues are used to cats who have injured or killed humans.

Specific non-lethal measures, such as banning off leash dogs, hazing, and deploying trained personnel to educate the public on safely coexisting with wildlife, must be prioritized. Furthermore, rigorous investigations to establish confirmed evidence before any action is taken, and bringing affected animals to a rehabilitation centre, must become the standard protocol, ensuring decisions are guided by facts rather than fear.

Mountain lions are an integral part of Colorado’s ecosystem, and their need for protection is paramount. Let’s champion coexistence, respect, and a profound understanding of our natural world.

Stand with us in urging Colorado Parks and Wildlife to reassess their methods. Sign this petition to end the needless slaughtering of mountain lions and promote compassionate conservation strategies. Your voice can help foster a future where humans and wildlife thrive together.