Endangered Bighorns

[Mikeswave]

[Wrightwood]

Thanks Mikeswave for the article.

At this point the San Gabriel Bighorns are not on the endangered list but are listed as a Sensitive Species. The reason for the Bighorns not to be listed on the Endangered list is a complicated issue and may change next year.

The staff of WrightwoodCalif.com did attend the meeting this news article is written about and must say that the news article does have a few facts incorrect.

The number of Bighorns in the San Gabriels was last estimated 2 years ago, not last year. The population of sheep was not 500 animals as stated but was estimated at 800-900, with over 500 Bighorns actually counted.

Our interest in DFG volunteer program for the Nelson Bighorn Sheep has lead to the development of a website dedicated to the issue. It can be seen at http://www.NelsonBighorn.com

Here's another topic on the issue:
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=Outdoors;action=display;num=1058837411

[zelicaon]

A flourishing of mountain lions and a decrease in their other prey--deer-- have aided in the bighorn demise.

If there are not enough deer to keep the mountain lions from eating bighorns, why is DFG issuing up to 5,500 tags for the area?

http://www.californiagameandfish.com/ca_aa100702a/

[clint]

Excellent question. This was in fact asked of the panel at the meeting and the issue was skirted. But I agree, if Mt. Lions are eating sheep in place of deer, which are actually their food of choice, why not increase deer numbers, by decreasing the deer hunting. But hey, if it was logical it wouldn't be government!

[Mikeswave]

Dont you love newspapers they seem to report items that are not correct i wonder if Michelle Rester was even at that meeting thanks for the corrections Wrightwood  The one part i didnt like was the removal of the mountain lions. I wonder what there population is?

[clint]

The Mountain Lion population is believed to be very healthy. There were bounties on Mountain Lions for many years and the hunters were so effecient that they nearly wiped out the entire local population. Because the deer population has been plentiful for years, Mountain Lions have done well. Lion tracks are the primary thing we are looking for with the Dragging and Tracking program. The very significant thing left out of the article is that DFG wants to capture and radio collar some Lions also. This will help determine if in fact they are taking Big Horn. If you get a sheep collar sending a mortality signal and a lion collar at the same location you know what happened.

[Mikeswave]

Thanks Clint

[Wrightwood]

Bounties Affected the Mountain Lion Population




California paid bounties on 12,452 cougars killed between 1907 and 1963. Early bounties were $20 per lion, and by the late 1950s were increased to $50 for a male and $60 for a female. In 1969 the cat became a game animal that was hunted for sport.

In 1990, the mountain lion was classified as a "specially protected mammal."

[WWHillbilly]

[Ensen]

Yeah.  Let's see how hunters do when they have no equipment, guns, gear, or clothing, only using whats available in the wild.  That would be a sport.  The hunter becomes the hunted.  Sounds more entertaining that pro sports.

[Matt]

Bounties Affected the Mountain Lion Population




California paid bounties on 12,452 cougars killed between 1907 and 1963. Early bounties were $20 per lion, and by the late 1950s were increased to $50 for a male and $60 for a female. In 1969 the cat became a game animal that was hunted for sport.

In 1990, the mountain lion was classified as a "specially protected mammal."

The issue is my opinion that hunting is not a sport whatsoever. Nothing to do with why this or that animal is endangered.