NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
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36 NEBRASKAland • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 rates in the population, so the regulations took that into account. Lastly, the hunting season was set for only one year, 2014, so that following the initial season, we would have ample opportunity to adjust future regulations as necessary. To date, no decision has been made regarding mountain lion hunting seasons for 2015. All money received from the sale of mountain lion hunting permits has been invested right back into research and management of mountain lions. This funds a portion of our genetic and trail camera surveys as well as other work we do while managing mountain lions. The Commission is working on a more geographically comprehensive approach for mountain lion management. As I mentioned, mountain lions move freely between Nebraska and neighboring western states, so I have worked closely with biologists from South Dakota and Wyoming to share information regarding mountain lion management and research. We will continue to work closely with biologists from those areas to make sure our management decisions fit within what is happening in the larger region. We are also evaluating additional research that would add to our knowledge about mountain lions in Nebraska. We have been using trail cameras to document mountain lion presence for a number of years. We are presently working on large-scale, systematic trail camera surveys designed to detect changes in mountain lion distribution and document reproduction. The trail camera photos we receive from the public in particular are extremely helpful. We have more than 150 photos of mountain lions from trail cameras over the years. Some of the highlights have been the first photos of females with kittens since that's pretty much the ultimate proof of a resident population in each new area. I certainly want to encourage everyone out there to contact us if they get pictures of mountain lions. ■ Addition contributors to this story include Cara Pesek and Scott Taylor. What action is the Game and Parks Commission taking to keep its mountain lion management strategies current? Th C W C l Q: You have gathered trail camera photographs from the public and Commission staff through the years. How many have you received and how have those been helpful? Y p C m Q: MAP DATA PROVIDED BY NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION Nebraska Distribution of Mountain Lions Areas of suitable habitat with resident breeding populations In 2014, permits to hunt mountain lions in Nebraska were issued for the first time. What does the Commission do with that money? I i W m Q: Discover more about mountain lions. D