Residents urge Boulder council to oppose state predator-management plan after public meeting

A large public turnout and multiple speakers during the Feb. 3 meeting urged Boulder’s leaders to oppose a state predator-management proposal that would allow eradication of mountain lions in several units, including the Boulder unit.

Mayor Cheryl Cox said the state has proposed eradication in six areas and referenced a Jan. 20 presentation that drew more than 100 attendees. Multiple public commenters and council members described serious safety concerns with the proposed methods—particularly baited snares and unrestricted trap access—and urged the town to act.

Matt Cochran told the council there are “no limits on cougar hunting” in the unit and said government trappers were preparing to pursue eradication; Joshua Lisbon, a visiting mountain-lion researcher, described instances in which dogs returned with injuries consistent with trap entanglement. Councilmember Lacy Allen recounted a personal incident in which her dog was caught in a baited trap, requiring five people to free it, and said those risks prompted strong community concern.

Several commenters asked the council to draft a formal town resolution opposing the state plan and to consider local measures such as banning traps within town limits as an initial step. Mayor Cox announced a separate public meeting planned for the following day for residents who missed the Jan. 20 presentation; she emphasized it would not be a council meeting but requested council members attend as note-takers.

The council did not adopt a formal resolution on Feb. 3; members expressed interest in gathering more community input before taking official action.