Bill Would Encourage Relocation Of Mountain Lions
SACRAMENTO (AP) — California would relocate more troublesome mountain lions instead of killing them under a bill headed to Gov. Jerry Brown's desk.
The Senate gave final approve Monday to legislation that would require game wardens to use nonlethal methods to handle mountain lions unless they are considered an imminent threat to public safety.
That would generally mean trapping or tranquilizing the animals and moving them to remote locations.
Democratic Sen. Jerry Hill of San Mateo authored SB132 after an incident last year. Game wardens prompted public outrage when they shot and killed two mountain lion cubs hiding under the deck of home in Half Moon Bay.
Republican Sen. Jim Nielsen of Gerber objected that the bill imperils the livestock industry.
The Senate approved it on a 35-2 vote.
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