Utah wildlife experts estimate cougar kill total could exceed 650 this year

Concerns over cougar mortality rates took center stage during the recent DWR RAC Meeting in Utah, as experts discussed the challenges of accurately tracking wildlife deaths. With 508 documented cougar kills this year, officials acknowledged that the true number is likely higher due to unreported incidents, including natural deaths and roadkill.

Darren, a wildlife educator, emphasized the difficulty in estimating the actual mortality figures, noting that factors such as predation attempts gone wrong can lead to undetected deaths. "It's hard to put a number on it," he stated, highlighting the complexities of wildlife management.

The discussion revealed that while the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) keeps a close eye on reported kills, illegal hunting and other unrecorded deaths remain a concern. "We have a pretty good handle on that," Darren said, referring to the collaboration with landowners and livestock producers to track cougar depredation. However, he admitted that illegal takes could slip through the cracks, though he believes they are not significant.

Roadkill was another topic of interest, with officials documenting as many incidents as possible. Estimates suggest that fewer than 20 cougars are killed on roads each year. When combining all known factors, experts speculate that the total number of cougar deaths could reach around 600 to 650, factoring in unreported incidents and natural mortality.

As wildlife officials continue to grapple with these challenges, the meeting underscored the importance of accurate data collection for effective wildlife management and conservation efforts in Utah. The ongoing dialogue aims to enhance understanding and strategies to protect the state's cougar population while addressing the complexities of wildlife interactions.