Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 27, 2002
For more information:  Dave McCrea, 773-4243

A FEW TIPS ABOUT MOUNTAIN LIONS

PIERRE - Mountain lions are alive and active in western South Dakota. Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) officials say like any wild animal, the mountain lion can be dangerous, but with a better understanding of these animals and their habitat, we can coexist with them in the same manner as we do with other predators.

Mountain lions have been reported in South Dakota as early as 1874, when members of the Custer expedition saw a lion near the head of Castle Creek in the Black Hills. Wildlife officials conservatively estimate approximately 150 lions currently live in the Black Hills, and another 15 to 25 live on the state’s western prairie. 

"The mountain lion is protected and classified as a state threatened species," said Law Enforcement Specialist Dave McCrea. "Killing a mountain lion, unless it is an immediate threat to human life, is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a $200 fine. A civil penalty of up to $5,000 may also be imposed. Anyone who kills a mountain lion as the result of a life-threatening encounter, is required to report the killing to a department representative within 48 hours."

"If a lion is deemed an immediate threat to livestock, the person should report the incident to a department representative as soon as possible and not try to kill the animal," McCrea said. "The law does not allow a person to kill a mountain lion in order to protect livestock. To eliminate potential conflicts between the department and the affected livestock producer, we prefer that the producer contact the department for advice and possible assistance." 

To reduce the risk of problems associated with mountain lions, people should: 

• Make lots of noise when they are outside from dusk to dawn. 
• Install outside lighting and light areas where they walk. 
• Closely supervise children whenever they are outdoors. 
• Landscape or remove vegetation to eliminate hiding places for lions. 
• Avoid feeding wildlife and plant only shrubs that deer do not prefer to discourage concentrations of deer. 
• Keep their pets under control and bring them indoors at night. 
• Close doors to all outbuildings. 
• Stay clear of any apparent lion kills. Lions cover their kills and may be guarding it from a distance. 

If someone meets a mountain lion, they should:

• Make plenty of noise. 
• Avoid approaching the animal and be sure to give it a way to escape. 
• Stay calm and talk firm to it, while moving backward slowly. Running may stimulate a lion’s instinct to chase and attack. 
• Try to appear larger. This includes raising their arms and opening their jacket. Small children should be put on their shoulders to protect them and help them look larger. 
• Throw stones, branches or whatever is available without bending over. They should also wave their arms and speak firmly to the lion. 
• Take a firm stance, and try to convince the lion that the person is not prey and that they could pose a threat to the lion. 

For a brochure on mountain lions in South Dakota, a brochure is available at GFP offices or by writing to: Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, S.D. 57501.

-GFP-