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Agriculture Department recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a letter to California Department of Fish and Wildlife regarding mountain lion depredation permits in the County.
FUNDING: N/A
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On March 23, 2024, a mountain lion attacked two brothers while antler shed hunting near Georgetown. The younger brother sustained injuries but was able to call 911. The older brother sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued a depredation permit to the County's professional trapper. The trapper was able to locate and euthanize the mountain lion within hours of the incident. Through DNA samples, CDFW was able to confirm that the mountain lion euthanized was the same animal involved in the fatal attack earlier in the day.
Mountain lion encounters are uncommon in California but do occasionally occur. However, this is the first confirmed fatality from a mountain lion attack in California since 2004. Since the attack, numerous domestic animals have been killed by mountain lions within the County, many occurring in daytime hours, which is not usual. Owners of the animals have contacted CDFW and obtained hazing permits, which the County trapper assisted with utilizing his dogs in many cases. Calls into the County from concerned citizens observing mountain lions lingering on their properties have increased. The Sheriff's Office has issued safety tips regarding wildlife encounters, reminding residents to stay alert and what to do if encountering a mountain lion.
El Dorado County accounts for 17% of all permits issued statewide for the period of 2019-2023. The County’s Fish and Wildlife commission has stated that the State’s policy on mountain lion policy should be considered as an experiment that has failed as the depredation in El Dorado County has increased.
On July 16, 2024, the Board received and filed a presentati...
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