Calif. Reports Drop In Mountain Lion Deaths
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — State wildlife officials say they've seen a significant drop in the number of mountain lions killed after an encounter with a human.
In a release Wednesday, California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials say their new policy adopted in February after a pair of mountain lion killings late last year allows for more non-lethal options, like scaring off the animal or relocation.
Director Charlton H. Bonham says the new guidelines haven't resulted in any threat to public safety.
The release didn't specify the number of mountain lion killings, currently or in the past.
Officials believe there are between 4,000 and 6,000 mountain lions statewide. Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
