Proceedings of the fifth mountain lion workshop: 27

PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIFTH MOUNTAIN LION WORKSHOP 91
MOUNTAIN LION-HUMAN AND MOUNTAIN LION-LIVESTOCK INCIDENTS
IN MONTANA
Shawn J. Riley. Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Keith E. Aune. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
We present data on 245 mountain lion incidents reported in Montana between July 1989 and July 1995. Incidents
were defined as an interaction between mountain lions and humans or livestock, initiated by the mountain lion, that was
perceived serious enough to warrant attention by wildlife agencies. Combined incidents increased from 23/yr to 48/yr
throughout the period. There were 123 (50.2%) incidents involving livestock and 122 involving humans. The number of
livestock incidents increased regularly from 8 in 1989-90 to 35 in 1994-95. Sheep (67%) were most frequently preyed upon
by mountain lions followed in rank by horses, goats, cattle, poultry, llamas and rabbits. Human incidents were highest in
1991-92 (n=27) and declined steadily to 14 in 1994-95. The peak time period for both livestock and human incidents was
between June and November. Age and physical condition of mountain lions killed in control actions is characterized as
young (1-4 yr; 61%#2 yr) and in good condition. There is no difference in either age structure or condition class of lions
involved in livestock vs. human incidents. Male mountain lions were involved in significantly more livestock incidents than
females, but sex ratios of lions involved in human incidents were not significantly different from 50:50. Livestock incidents
occurred in central Montana where sheep production is greatest and in western valleys where there is a greater proportion of
hobby ranchers. Human incidents mostly occurred near western intermountain valley communities. A record of the
frequency of calls to agencies by people involved in incidents inflates the reporting of actual incidents. We discuss
biological, socioeconomic, and policy factors affecting rates of both livestock and human incidents.
DEVELOPING AN ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR MOUNTAIN
LIONS (Puma concolor) IN MONTANA
Shawn J. Riley. New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Richard A. Malecki. New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
We describe research initiated in Montana during 1995 to help reduce the uncertainty associated with decisions
concerning mountain lion management in a rapidly changing environment. The American West is experiencing the most
massive redistribution of humans since the early land-rush days. Of the 10 US states with the fastest growing human
populations, seven are in the West. At the same time, mountain lion populations are reported to be reaching historically high
levels in many of these areas. Human-mountain lion interactions are also reported to be increasing and creating difficult
choices for people living and working in the region, as well as for agencies responsible for mountain lion management. We
use a risk assessment approach that identifies real or objective risks associated with mountain lions and perceived or
subjective risks. Both risks have associated benefits and costs to society or management that we are measuring with
economic methodology. Socio-economic literature suggests a bimodal distribution of beliefs about such risks, skewed to
both over and under estimation of the objective risk. The discrepancy between what the public perceives and those risks that
experts believe is scientifically founded creates significant policy dilemmas. Over-estimation of the risk increases
management costs. Underestimation may initially lower costs, but creates a potentially volatile whiplash of negative
sentiment in the event of low probability-high consequence mountain lion-human interactions. To understand and manage
the objective risk, we are comparing distribution and abundance data for mountain lions with variables pertaining habitat,
prey, land-use, humans, policy governing mountain lions, and the historical influence of wolves. For the subjective risk, we
are using mail and telephone surveys to gain insights into the knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and underlying assumptions of
both the public and wildlife professionals about mountain lions. We are also using an economic method of "expressed
preference" to estimate the public's acceptance of risk associated with mountain lions. Results will be formulated into
conceptual models as well as an objective feedback management function based upon historical data but designed for
systematic updating.
MOUNTAIN LION PREDATION ON BIGHORN SHEEP