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Division outlines 3‑year cougar-removal study (WRI 7707) to test effects on mule deer
Summary
The Utah Division presented WRI 7707, a BYU‑partnered, multi‑unit field study that will reduce cougars on six units meeting a 7% adult doe mortality threshold to test whether cougar removal increases mule‑deer production; rack members and public asked about habitat confounders, trap risks, controls and a 3‑ to 5‑year timeline.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources on Tuesday detailed a proposed research and management project, WRI 7707, to test whether aggressively reducing mountain‑lion (cougar) numbers on selected units improves mule‑deer population performance.
Division presenter Darren said the study will target six units—Zion, Pine Valley, Monroe, Boulder, East Wasatch and Stansbury—chosen because collar data show adult doe mortality from cougars at or above a 7% threshold that the division considers likely to suppress population growth. "Let's get some data," Darren said, describing plans to work with BYU, use department trappers and track overlap with collared deer to measure demographic responses.
Why the data lag:…
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