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Utah wildlife division outlines 3-year cougar study as public speakers sharply divided
Summary
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources described a three-year, six-unit study to test whether reducing cougar numbers raises mule deer survival; scientists and livestock interests backed data-driven evaluation while conservation groups and houndsmen warned lethal removals and snares risk long-term harm and social conflict. The board heard hours of public comment but took no immediate policy vote on the study.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources on Thursday detailed a three-year study that will evaluate whether reducing mountain lion (cougar) numbers on six management units leads to measurable increases in mule deer survival.
Director Peck introduced the study plan as a response to legislative direction and increased public concern about deer declines. Kent Hersey, big-game projects coordinator, told the board the division will collar adults and fawns on six units (Boulder, Monroe, Stansbury, Pine Valley, Wasatch East and Zion), aiming for roughly 50 adult collars and 30 fawn collars per unit. Hersey said the division will monitor body condition, cause-specific mortality and population growth (lambda) and pair DWR field work with BYU for peer review and publication.
Hersey…
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