Texas Makes Historic Move On Mountain Lions

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) Commission officials (TPWD) have for the first time adopted regulations on the taking of mountain lions (cougars).

Cougars have long been considered varmints in Texas and managed by individual landowners for the most part.

A regulation to ban the “canned hunting” of mountain lions, which is defined as releasing lions for the purpose of hunting was put on the books last week.

There is also a change in trapping standards.

“Texas does not require traps set for mountain lions to be checked. Concerns have been raised that some mountain lions are left to perish in traps, which many consider to be inhumane and potentially damaging to the reputation of trapping and hunting,” reported TPWD in its initial press release on the proposal.

The new regulation requires trappers to ensure that lions are not kept alive in traps or snares for more than 36 hours.

TPWD reported they provide an exemption to the 36-hour requirement for traps that have a breakaway device allowing a cable snare to disassemble when subjected to a force of 285 pounds. 
“Mountain lions are likely able to pull with 285 pounds of force or more. Conversely, coyotes typically can pull on snares with only 192-250 pounds of force.”
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