Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Lion shot, killed by rancher as it attacked his dogs

Lion shot, killed by rancher as it attacked his dogs

Jul 11, 2006 - 08:32:24 CDT

A rancher shot and killed a mountain lion that was fighting with his dogs Sunday morning on his ranch east of Watford City, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department said Monday.

According to the official report, the rancher, Kelly Hanna, heard a commotion involving his dogs and investigated. The dogs had treed a mountain lion about 50 yards from his house.

After he got a rifle and returned, he found the lion was on the ground and in a fight with his dogs, said Brent Schwan, North Dakota Game and Fish Department district game warden in Watford City.

The rancher then shot the lion, which had slightly injured one of the dogs.

The lion is believed to be a young female that weighed about 80 pounds.

Hanna immediately called Schwan, who investigated and transported the carcass to Dickinson, where it is being stored in a freezer until it's examined.

A necropsy is planned for Wednesday, NDGFD furbearer biologist Dorothy Fecske said Monday.

Schwan said the rancher was within the law in killing the lion.

"State law specifically allows the killing of mountain lions to protect individuals or their property. The law also requires that the Game and Fish Department must be notified - which the rancher did," NDGFD said in a statement issued Monday.

North Dakota will hold its second experimental mountain lion season later this year.The animal taken Sunday will not be included in the quota of five cats for the upcoming season, which tentatively is set to open Sept. 1 and continue through March 11 or until the quota is filled.

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Comments

Jill wrote on Jan 30, 2007 3:36 PM:

" I live in FL and had a rabid racoon jump in my pool after 6 kids in the pool, they all got out and he chased one kid back in the pool, the coon got out and started in on my sleeping dog, I called 911 3x's with no response, Animal Control said to call Wildlife who in turn said to call Animal Control. No one came out and of course I had to shoot it. I can't imagine having something the size of a mountain line after my family and dogs, and have to think of relying on a governmental agency to help me. "

man you hippies are messed up wrote on Jul 29, 2006 12:02 AM:

" i have read all of these post on here . this guy done what he thought was right and everyone giving him grief over killing a over sized cat. that will kill people when giving the chance i would have done the same thing but i would have just got rid of the cat's body and went on about my business like it never happened. oh yeah whats a good caliber to kill these large animals with ? "

horseman 153 wrote on Jul 25, 2006 7:26 PM:

" I can't believe we are even discussing this!!! The man had a mountain lion in his tree. he shot it. It's dead, end of discussion. I have shot raccoons for digging in my trash. GET A LIFE PEOPLE!!! If Kelly would have done the same thing 50 years ago would we even be discussing it? You tree huggers really need a life!! "

Get real wrote on Jul 19, 2006 10:58 PM:

" The risks of country living? Are you kidding me. You can not just tell the pretty little kitty to go home! I would like to see what some of you would do if someone or something threatened your family or livelihood. Get out of the cave so you can see past the "wall" "

Doug wrote on Jul 18, 2006 8:24 AM:

" Again, if you do not like the risks of country living - move to a town. Living in a town you will deal with the human conflicts, road rage, nasty neighbors, etc. Personally I would take a chance of a mountain lion (doing what comes natural for them) vs some humans being rude, inconsiderate, mean, and stupid. Mountain lions are not on this earth to harm you, actually they don’t like human contact. These are wild animals and they are just surviving. And as long as we are living in their territory we will have encounters with them. Get use to it or move behind a wall. "

to frank wrote on Jul 17, 2006 7:53 PM:

" wow a big bad deer!! what has that got to do with this subject. deer will not harm a person, their pets or their livestock.........mountain lions will. "

Frank wrote on Jul 17, 2006 1:58 PM:

" I know many people that have moved to edge of towns and have complained that the deer are eating everything they plant. These people did not do their homework because if they did they would have known that there has been deer for many many years before they moved there and the deer are not going to leave just because a house was built. These deer are doing what comes natural – eat to survive and live. "

Bert wrote on Jul 17, 2006 1:54 PM:

" Farming and ranching is not for everyone even though you were raised on the farm. It is ok to move to town if you are not able to take the risks that living out in the country brings. "

to tim wrote on Jul 17, 2006 9:48 AM:

" taking risks isn't the issue. its people that think its so terrible when a rancher defends his family and animals. if everyone moved to town; where would our food come from??? "

Tim wrote on Jul 17, 2006 8:14 AM:

" Living in the country has its risks. If you don't like taking risks then move to town. Then you will have to deal with the rage of the people. Your choice. "

to Don also wrote on Jul 15, 2006 4:34 PM:

" You are kidding right? Comparing a moose and a mountain lion are two totally different things!!! I have never heard of a moose attacking someones horses or anything else for that matter! That's because they are not a predatory animal - a mountain lion IS and there have been numerous reports over the years from people who have had animals attacked. I really feel for this man and his family. Athough I don't know them personally, I will bet that they are propably good people who never dreamed that protecting his family and home would cause this big of a stir! "

to Don wrote on Jul 15, 2006 9:47 AM:

" sounds like you don't have a clue what it is like living out in the country. it is so easy to sit in an easy chair and criticize ranchers who are working outdoors to make a living and feeding people like you!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Don wrote on Jul 15, 2006 7:46 AM:

" Maybe the dog was never the problem,It sounds like an excuse to shoot the cat.The moose in Bismarck made it home safely.Animals roam from their terrotories. "

What is the big debate here? wrote on Jul 15, 2006 12:56 AM:

" I have been reading through some of these posts and I am a little confused on what the debate is here. In the article it gives reference to ND state law which states that the killing of a mountation lion is promitted to protect individuals or their proprety. And that in doing so the indivual must contact the Game and Fish and report it. The way I see it, this man had no choice in the matter but to kill this lion! He was doing so to protect his property (his dogs) and he did the right thing by contacting the Game and Fish and reporting it. I have to honestly say that when I read the comment that someone had made about how "he should have just gone in the house and waited for it to leave" - I almost laughed my self silly. Let's say it worked on that night -what about the next day when the mountain lion came back - I kringe when I think about what might have happened if God forbid - childern would have been playing out in the yard. Now that would have been a tragedy! "

Karen wrote on Jul 14, 2006 2:39 PM:

" I think there are more mountain lions than numbers are being released to us if they are having hunting seasons. I actually live in western SD and it's not too far away from me that mountain lions have been running across roads and getting hit by cars! Times-a-changing........ we need to adjust. "

Lifelong Rural Resident wrote on Jul 14, 2006 1:57 PM:

" First, thanks for the thoughtful response to my comments. However, I would like to take exception to using the example of out-of-control hunters with a mind set of shooting anything that moves, and expecially predators, be it wolves, eagles, coyotes or mountain lions and comparing it to what Kelly did. As for getting his story in the paper, I very much doubt that Kelly wanted the publicity that his action received. I certainly would not want it. I would also like to take exception with another comment that was made. That was the one that Kelly should have returned to the house. Am I to believe from that comment that he was not to go back outside until the lion had left? Let me see, he ranchs/farms, etc. That means that he probably spends most of his days outside working in his fields, with his cattle or around his farm yard with his animals and machinery. Most of the farmers/ranchers in my area are up at dawn and are outside for most of the day with the exception of meals and an occasional break, many of them even on Sundays. I doubt that Kelly is an exception to this. Sorry, but I can't buy the idea that he should have stayed inside until the cat left. My guess (and it is only a guess) is that he planned to scare the cat off, without killing it, with a well-placed shot. We do this with coyotes, if necessary. However, once the animal began fighting with the dogs, it left him little choice. In response to the comment about current laws that have loopholes for Farmers/ranchers to kill anything for threatens their life of property, I believe that is called Self-Defense and that loophole in the law, also applies, I believe, in most cases, to people who live in cities. For the record, I do not know Kelly or his family. Have only read about this story. "

To:Lifelong rural resident wrote on Jul 14, 2006 12:08 PM:

" SSS is still common practice in ND and this ignorant mentality is being handed down one generation to the next. I have friends and family members who I won't hunt with because they shoot hawks, bald eagles, and any other predator species they can find. They haven't been caught yet but I hope they will someday. I guess what I am trying to get at is the current laws have loopholes where farmers and ranchers can kill anything if they feel their property or life is threatened. So in many cases they don't have to practice SSS so instead they call the GnF and get their story in the paper. I just don't think that he or his dogs lives or property were threatened during his FIRST encounter with the mountain lion. His dogs had the mountain lion pinned in the tree. He should of called off his dogs and returned to the house instead of going to get the rifle to kill it. If this mountain lion was such a threat then why was it in the tree? It wasn't until it was cornered that it fought back and hurt one of the dogs. I would be defending this ranchers actions if his life or his dogs lives were in immediate danger during his FIRST encounter but they were not. People need to learn to live with mountain lions especially when they live in mountain lion country. And people please don't post stupid comments about mountain lions in peoples backyard when they live in a city or a town. Its very rare and when it does happen the media blows it out of proportion. If a mountain lion was hanging around an urban area I would want it removed too. It also should hold true that if people are living in mountian lion country (and can't live peacefully with wildlife) maybe they should be removed also. "

Lifelong Rural Resident wrote on Jul 14, 2006 9:27 AM:

" I am totally confounded by the comments made by some of the readers. Do you want our Farmers/Ranchers to return to the old mentality of SSS, that is; shoot, shovel and shut up? I am sure that Kelly has a tractor with a loader and could easily have destroyed the animal and buried it. No one, with the exception of his family, would have had to know about the incident. Instead, he handled it legally and now is getting a lot of flack for his perfectly understandable and legal action. Our rural people need and deserve the right to defend their property on a moment's notice. They cannot depend upon the police or sheriff's department being able to help them immediately or within a short period of time, as most people in cities or even small towns do. I live ten miles from my small rural town and it would take the authorities at least twenty minutes to get to my place driving on gravel roads. That, of course, would be assuming that they are just sitting in their office, waiting for my call. Imagine the amount of damage a mountain lion loose in my feeder calf pen could do for over twenty minutes while I am waiting for the proper authorities to arrive and solve the problem. I am also in complete agreement with the comment made about city dwellers living where animals once roamed freely. It is amazing how easy it is for some people to forget this little detail. There may have been mountain lions roaming, in the past, where some of you city dwellers live right now. Imagine how the people of Bismarck, Minot or Dickinson would feel if mountain lions were to be re-introduced into some of the wooded park areas in those cities. Boggles the mind, doesn't it? I agree perfectly that we do have to try and co-exist with our wildlife. I also believe, however, that we should have a perfect right to defend ourselves from this same wildlife if it threatens our families, pets or other domestic animals. Just for the record, I live south of Bismarck and hopefully never have to contend with this type of problem. If I do, will react the exact same way that Kelly did. "

Scott wrote on Jul 13, 2006 4:15 PM:

" Check out this AP news story: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/L/LIVING_WITH_LIONS?SITE=NCASH&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT "

Research wrote on Jul 13, 2006 2:08 PM:

" Deb, what part of "the second lion season IS for research" do you not understand? When was the last time you were out in the country among the wildlife. I believe our G&F biologists are the experts and are making the correct decision. Let them do thier job. With the number of sightings and incidents like this the population is doing fine. "

ThisOneGuy wrote on Jul 13, 2006 1:19 PM:

" Hey, for all you trying to get on Kell'ys case. There are a lot more Lions in thos area than people think, trust me, I've hunted the badlands my whole life, I see them more often than not during hunting season, tracks are everywhere. The hunting season will do a lot of good so that we can learn more about these magnificent creatures, and trust me, will not hurt the numbers of the population of lions in the area. Like it or not, there is plenty of room for all God's creatures, right next to the baked potato. "

Right on Kelly! wrote on Jul 13, 2006 1:02 PM:

" I am frankly shocked at some of the posts I have been reading! Kelly was doing what he HAD to do to protect his family, animals and property!! He really had no choice in the matter. "

to chance wrote on Jul 13, 2006 12:46 PM:

" what is your problem? apparantly you have no clue about life. did not the building of cities take some habitat away from these animals?? would you like a mountain lion in your front yard endangering your livelihood? think about it. "

Natures way wrote on Jul 13, 2006 11:12 AM:

" Thank you Kelly Fan for coming to Kelly's defense. Some of you seem to forget this situation called for immediate action, there were witnesses and Game and Fish agreed this was the right decision. There is a reason you haven't seem Mr Hanna commenting on this. It was a scary situation and he did the right thing. Give him and Game and Fish some credit for doing what had to be done, Kelly for contacting the authorities, fully knowing some of you would immediatly attack him. Nature is not always pretty, we as ranchers deal with this every day. "

Chance wrote on Jul 13, 2006 10:39 AM:

" Living in cities is safer from wild animals than living in the country. People that in the cities have to deal with the civilized animal, the human. Guns, road rage, knives, bombs, rape, assault, etc. these are some of the factors we are faced with while living with our own kind, the human being. Some people can be very curl, heartless and insensitive to their fellow man. They should know better since they are to be the more intelligent form of the animal world but they still do horrible things. We can’t live on what if’s. We need to learn how to live with these creatures GOD has given to us. Animals do have a purpose in their life and sometimes our path will cross and then we have to deal with it accordingly. But until then live each day to the fullest and enjoy what GOD has given us. I am a voice for all children and animals since they defenseless against the adult human. "

Top o' the food chain wrote on Jul 13, 2006 10:03 AM:

" Chance - I hope none of my children have the same type of thinking you do. Humans are at the top of the food chain. If a few animals have to die because I have opposable thumbs, that is how nature intended. Weaker animals get killed or moved out of their habitat in nature by stronger ones all the time. The stronger ones fight for their territory all the time. If another animal comes on my property with the possibility to cause harm, I will defend it within the fullest extent of the law...Just as nature intended. "

pook wrote on Jul 13, 2006 10:00 AM:

" they are called lions. if you have ever seen one you'll know why. believe or not, but i've seen 8 lions in the past 3 years. I even ran one over with my mini van which just mad him mad. they can hide right beside you until they get you. the last thing you'ld ever see is one coming at you. having daughters 10,6,4 makes me concerned about the lion population. there are plenty of lions in this world. i think if you need to see one, go to a zoo. hat's off to Kelly "

Response to Chance wrote on Jul 13, 2006 9:30 AM:

" Chance -- I am glad you live in the city where you are nice and safe -- BUT remember the animals once lived there before the city was started so you obviously live where the animals once roamed too -- where do you suggest people live? "

Chance wrote on Jul 13, 2006 8:19 AM:

" What if’s? Humans are taking the land from the animals, where are they going to live and eat to survive. Humans have to give things up if they continue to take things from the animals. "

comment to chance wrote on Jul 13, 2006 7:21 AM:

" Chance...what if the goverment decided that they were able to take 25 percent of your income this year. Just because you choose to work in town? That is what happens when the lions get hungry and kill our calves, cows or horses. We choose to live in the country so we don't have to listen to people like you. But come hunting time all you city people sure love to come to the country and see our world. Ask the fellow who was hiking last year around Grassy Butte what he felt when he turned around in terror and the lion was pouncing at him? Think before you speak. "

catsincradle wrote on Jul 13, 2006 7:10 AM:

" what if the cat had been in the back yards of biss with a small child in her mouth instead of a dog? what if it was your child or your dog? THINK ABOUT IT.... KELLY YOU DID THE RIGHT THING.. "

heart wrote on Jul 12, 2006 10:34 PM:

" I live on a ranch. I own dogs, cats, horses, poultry, fowl, ducks, geese... and I love all animals. If my dog had a cat treed I would go in and get my rifle, no doubt. WHY you ask? I am not going to stand out there and call my dog in and yell "pssss" at the cat, that's for sure! *IF* that cat turned on me or my dog I'd want to be armed! Why not call the dog inside you ask? It is my dog's job to defend our property and our animals (great pyrenees). If the cat is just allowed to hunt on my property, she is going to go on her merry way into the barn and kill my poultry, perhaps kill the barn cats, attack my horses, and hey, why not come back for more tomorrow when hungry again? Perhaps when the kids are outside, say sleeping in their tent for the night and get up to come into the house to use the bathroom or get a drink... you get the picture. I would NOT shoot the cat out of the tree -- against the law for one thing -- but if the cat were to stay in the tree I would call the game wardon (while not turning my back on the cat!!) and perhaps they could safely get the cat. This rancher did not have that opportunity. The cat came down and went after his dog. End of story. "

To Kelly Fan wrote on Jul 12, 2006 3:43 PM:

" I am so glad you brought that up. I grew up in a small town. Many springs we had to be on alert because a female mountain lion made a roadside tree row her den for the summer. On the other side of that street were people's backyards. I lived about three blocks down the road and we received calls during these summers telling us she decided to take in the town. There were rumors there were more on the other side of town in the hills. Luckily no one was ever injured or killed. You hear more and more of wild animals (elk, moose to name a couple) that are coming into towns and cities. These animals are becoming very bold and with that people are in danger. I am glad Kelly was able to defend his family and his dogs or we may have read a story with a different tragic ending. "

Kelly Fan wrote on Jul 12, 2006 2:37 PM:

" I personally know Kelly and think the absolute world of this man -- this man has a strong love for his family, home, and animals. This man has three daughters and he grew up on the place he now resides on with his family. The thing that you people don't understand is that the wild animals, and not just mountain lions, are working their way into the more residential areas, including getting into the smaller towns and it won't be long and these cats will be in your back yards and should you be belittled for living there? No -- so please don't treat this man like that. This man has a daughter getting married in a couple of weeks and will someday have grandchildren that he would like to enjoy at his home. He should have the same rights as you no matter where he lives. Until you are in this situation or a similar situation, please don't say what he should or shouldn't have done -- you may have reacted the same way. Give the man a little credit -- he deserves it -- he is one heck of a man!!! "

Chance wrote on Jul 12, 2006 1:40 PM:

" Living in the country you are taking a chance every day of connecting with wild animals. This is the chance you take for making this choice in your life to live in the country. Living out of town the animals are wild and eat to live. Move to town if your are not willing to take on this challenge. "

Steven wrote on Jul 12, 2006 1:36 PM:

" There are a lot of what if's. Until something happens these animals are doing what comes natural to them and survive. If we live a world of what if's we would never leave our homes again, eat or drink. Grow up people and quit trying to kill everything you don't like. "

love the idiots wrote on Jul 12, 2006 12:06 PM:

" Okay, all you mountain lion lovers, why don't you volunteer to take the ones that can be caught by the Game and Fish and put them up in your back yards. I am sure they would love to play with your children, and your pets. This is a real problem and until the Game and Fish admits to what is going on it will not end. Do you all really belive that they are just passing through, get real and join the real world. These beautiful animals only have on reason in life to kill, eat what the want and kill the next thing they can find. They are not very nice animals to have knocking on your back door. The ranchers and farmers feed all the deer, elk, antelope and anything else that preffers to stop off and eat on their land...what do they get ...oh yeah i forgot they get 1 permit a year to shot a deer.... "

supporting the ranchers wrote on Jul 12, 2006 11:22 AM:

" i have one last point to make...what if the lion wasnt just passing through but stayed on his land and hid? killing or injuring a person. like farmers daughter said, i sure as hech wouldnt want a lion in my yard! "

Unbelievable comments! wrote on Jul 12, 2006 10:28 AM:

" It is not like he went off in search of the mountain lion! How do we know there were no children at the ranch? This man had every right to protect his dogs and any other animal or person for that matter on his land. These dogs were doing what any good dog would do, protecting their families. I would have done the EXACT same thing in his shoes! What if there were a child outside, would anyone still oppose this? Would you still think he should have waited for witnesses so he could have proof? Would you? In my opinion, Kelly did the right thing. Not only did he save his dogs but he very well could have saved someone's life! "

Think about it wrote on Jul 12, 2006 10:23 AM:

" If I was in Kelly's shoes I would have done the same thing - yes it attacked his dog and he shot the mountain lion - I'm sorry, but if I lived out there and had let the mountain lion go I'd be looking over my shoulder every day wondering if it was going to attack my livestock or my family ... I believe he did the right thing. Sorry you have to go through all this negative talk Kelly, just because you protected your dog and family! You don't deserve it. "

Brent wrote on Jul 12, 2006 9:44 AM:

" I've learned a lot from these posts. The next time a radical animal activist gets treed by my dogs, I'll use a tranquilizer gun and trampoline. (Spinoff from Rancher Bob's great post! ;) "

Farmer's Daughter wrote on Jul 12, 2006 9:39 AM:

" To those who feel Kelly Hanna did wrong: How would you like a mountain lion 50 yards from your front door? I know I sure as heck wouldn't. "

Jerry wrote on Jul 12, 2006 8:50 AM:

" So this guy's dogs attacked the mountain lion, treeing it and then when it fights back and actually "slightly wounds" one of the dogs that attacked it the big bad farmer shoots it? Can't imagine why Mr. big bad farmer would call his dogs off and let the cat go on about it's business. Sounds a lot like the Barnes County farmer who, a few years ago, shot and killed a 90 pound "coyote" and her pups. "

concernednd wrote on Jul 12, 2006 6:22 AM:

" What this rancher did is very questionable. The story said the mountain lion was pinned in the tree by the dogs. So why didn't the rancher drag his dogs back to the house and let the mountain lion go? Instead he goes and gets his rifle. Sounds kind of fishy to me. The reason I'm saying this is because ranchers/farmers don't want any predator around and will kill just to get rid of them. I know this because I've heard this ignorant talk my whole life growing up in rural western ND. I happen to be a Biologist(not with the state - thank goodness) and I don't agree with there so called study method. First, you find out the numbers. Secondly, if the numbers are sustainable enough then allow hunting. Trapping and tagging along with telemetry is the best way to determine population and if they are transient. Killing and studying the carcass is a good way to determine health but is a bad idea when you don't know the population beforehand. The ND game and fish is controlled by big interest groups in ND (Farmers Union, Grazing Associations, Cattlemens Assoc, et...) If you don't believe me just look at the regulation of elk in our state. The elk numbers are never allowed to get very high because they are perceived to compete with farmers/ranchers and ruin fences. We have the habitat to support 100x the elk we have now. Its also interesting to know that elk tags in ND are "once in a lifetime" for the average citizen except for landowners who can get a gratis tag each year. Mountains lions in ND will be extirpated for the second time in our states history. They will allow these experimental (really political BS) hunting seasons until the population dwindles and can no longer support itself. This is what I believe to be the true agenda of the ND GnF in its ploy to study mountain lions in our state. Also, I'm glad to see not everyone in ND has the shoot 'em and kill 'em mentality. "

Deb wrote on Jul 11, 2006 11:32 PM:

" I love that there's an online editor awake at 11pm and working. Sweet! Way to go Bis Trib! And I agree with him. The only post I thought was funnier was the one from rancher Bob. "

Online Editor wrote on Jul 11, 2006 11:00 PM:

" The comments are reviewed for content before being posted. I make every effort to post as many comments as possible only vetting out those that attack people or businesses, are libelous or downright offensive. Jake's comment was none of those and was even a little funny. "

Why the sarcastic comments? wrote on Jul 11, 2006 9:56 PM:

" To the online editor: Why do you even post the sarcastic comments, for example the blog posted by Jake? His sarcastic comment has means nothing. I suspect the posts are reviewed for content prior to appearing, so why even post those type of comments? "

JR wrote on Jul 11, 2006 9:00 PM:

" In response to "a concerned reader", obviously you don't have a family pet. A pet is considered by most a member of the family and would you let a mountain lion or any other predatory animal attack your family? I think not! To think that this rancher would be killing the mountain lion for a trophy is appalling! When you live on a ranch as my husband and I do and your livelihood is threatened, you do whatever is within your rights to protect what you have so that you can feed your family. "

ryanm424 wrote on Jul 11, 2006 6:13 PM:

" Lions only live in Africa. This is obviously some sort of elaborate hoax. "

Deb wrote on Jul 11, 2006 5:07 PM:

" So the answer to every animal population issue, if they are considered "dangerous" by some person's definition is to kill them? Come on. First of all, Fishers are very dangerous animals akin to wolverines. If I made it sound like I followed this thing around skipping and whistling in the summer's sun, I am remiss. I believe that every animal deserves to be studied and fully understood. Heck, if the G&F ponied up for a telemetry study, maybe they would find that we have enough cougers in the state to have 4 hunting seasons with 10 licenses each. We just don't know that!! I like what "All for Lions, But" said below-- if these animals have a healthy respect and fear for farmers, ranchers and the general public, then there wouldn't be an issue. But there are rogue animals out there that I agree need to be destroyed. But how many? And how many lions are out there that have that healthy respect for the rest of us? We don't know. And what does killing them serve any of us, unless we know what we are doing and walk into the hunting season with a good handle on the situation. "

you can't compare! wrote on Jul 11, 2006 4:51 PM:

" You absolutely can't compare studying fishers to mountain lions! A fisher is a weasel! What about the moose population in ND then? They are dangerous animals that can kill, just like mountain lions can kill. I'm thinking that if some animal is going to attack my livelyhood, I'm gonna shoot the thing! It is sad that there are people in ND that can't think outside their box about logical issues! "

supporting the ranchers wrote on Jul 11, 2006 4:34 PM:

" my fiances family are all ranchers and farmers, and yes they wouldnt think twice about shooting a cougar if it was attacking thier livestock, pets and or family members. ranchers depend on their livestock as a sorce of income, so why take that away from them just to save one cougar? i understand yea, the animals were here first, but we also need means to survive by, we need our ranchers and farmers. it would be darn funny if peta gets involved in this, what would a peta member do if a bear, or a cougar were attacking their child, or a pet, i doubt they would stand by and watch the cougar kill. good for kelly and good for any rancher who shoots a cougar that is causing chaos on their farm!! "

Rancher Bob wrote on Jul 11, 2006 3:51 PM:

" If a mountain lion was on my ranch and attacking a PETA person, I think I'd leave well enough alone. "

Deb wrote on Jul 11, 2006 3:43 PM:

" There's no reason for a hunting season as a 2nd study. I think it would be intersting to study the size and scope of the territory of the animal as well as breeding habits & abilites and, really to get an ACTUAL number of the animals. Yeah, there's 5 licenses out there. But, what if we only have 5 lions in the state? So you just killed the 5 animals that you needed to study. There should be a telemetry experiment. That's what many other states do. I was able to participate in a telemetry study in college in Minnesota tracking Fishers (large weasels). The point was that there were sightings of them in a particular part of the state, but no one knew how many there were and if they were breeding, etc etc. So we collared one and followed it around. Had we killed her, we would have killed a suckling mother of 4. That would have been 5 dead Fishers, later found to be half of the region's population. It's unfortunate that the state isn't putting it's time and money into studying these creatures. They are truly beautiful and deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. (And, before I'm pegged as a PETA freak, please read my comment below that I would have dusted a cougar coming at my dog...) "

Jason wrote on Jul 11, 2006 3:30 PM:

" The farmer says that the mountain lion was attacking his dog. Is there any proof of this? Any witnesses? We know farmers do not want mountain lions on their property same as coyotes, wolves and fox. But we have to realize that these creatures were here on this earth way before man came here. We have to respect them. As long as we are taking their territory they will be moving into our homestead areas and we have to figure out a way to live beside them not kill them. "

second study wrote on Jul 11, 2006 2:47 PM:

" Deb, you want more study? That is what a second "experimental" season is for. "

Russ wrote on Jul 11, 2006 2:33 PM:

" to GET REAL: You completely misinterpreted my comment. I have no problem with the rancher's actions. He did the right thing by protecting property, himself, and possibly his family. I was referring to PETA as a fringe organization, lamenting the idea they may become involved in the situation. Hopefully this clarifies things for you. "

Jake wrote on Jul 11, 2006 2:29 PM:

" If the mountain lion would have attacked my little puppy I would have gave the lion a spanking and sent him on his way. "

Love our Meeko wrote on Jul 11, 2006 1:49 PM:

" OMG if there was some mountain lion was after my dog Meeko, I would NOT THINK TWICE of killing it!!! There is no way I would let my dog be harmed in any way let alone by some huge animal that couuld hurt or possibly kill humans as well!! I would definately protect my dog and worry about the consequences later! "

GET REAL wrote on Jul 11, 2006 1:26 PM:

" Russ - are you on the same planet that we are? Do you know the situation that this rancher was in? I don't think so. You have commented irresponsibly and I hope you recognize that. Do you know the damage or death a lion/lioness of that size can do to a human, let alone a dog? As others have commented, you don't have a clue as to what you are saying. I have worked in an controled setting with this animal species, and I know that they are a fantastic animal. But you also have to realize that even though we are encroaching on their living space, they are also getting more bold and venturing in for that EASY catch of a meal when it is in a fenced area. I am sure that Mr. Hanna did all that he could. he notified the appropriate authorities and did what he was supposed to do. RUSS - not to bash you, but save your comments for those who want to hear them. I am sure that 99.9% of us can fathom to understand the situation that Kelly Hanna was in at that one time. Tell me Russ - would you go out and say "here kitty kitty" in that situation? NOT! "

Mikayla wrote on Jul 11, 2006 12:27 PM:

" It's absolutely evident the rancher was acting in defense of his animals. Each person is obviously entitled to his/her own opinion, but I know as a fellow dog owner/lover that they can become a very beloved member of your family. I sure wouldn't stand there and watch a wild animal kill my beloved pet on my property, regardless of its status. It's obvious this man was not out 'trophy' hunting, especially if the dog's injuries are consistent with the accusation. If PETA can't empathize with this man's situation, it would be a sad waste of their time when there are thousands of undoubtedly mistreated animals nationwide. I strongly agree with "love my dog" in that I don't think it's anybody's right to decipher what should hold precedence for this man under these types of circumstances. I would have made the exact same decision and my dogs aren't even an integral part of my family business. If that dog were that man's child, there would be no discussion. I know I wouldn't tolerate it if someone were to tell me a wild animal was more important than my family pet. After all, who was supposed to be where? "

Deb wrote on Jul 11, 2006 11:56 AM:

" I'm against the second season without more study, but this guy did the right thing. There's no way a big cat would be living if it attacked a dog of mine. "

I know the rancher! wrote on Jul 11, 2006 11:55 AM:

" I know that Kelly would have only killed the lion if his safety or that of his families was in danger. He is not a "trophy hunter". are you kidding me with that? he is an upstanding citizen who works his tail off to provide for his family. So what if PETA comes along. I will defend Kelly until the end! "

Equally Concerned wrote on Jul 11, 2006 11:21 AM:

" What is PETA going to be mad about - killing the lion or saving the dog? Maybe it needs to be attacking a human - or is it unjust still? Yeah, probably a trophy hunter trying to make a living ranching - good call. "

Just to Save a Single Dog??? wrote on Jul 11, 2006 11:20 AM:

" Have you ever had a good dog? I'd kill way more than a big cat to save my dog. And have you ever considered the possibility that next time it could be his kids - with no guarantees that he'd be so close by. Wake up! "

Fellow farmer wrote on Jul 11, 2006 11:16 AM:

" To a concerned reader - would you like a lion in your yard? How about a few grizzly, while we're at it? Only those of you who don't live with them want them in some one else's back yard. "

love my dog wrote on Jul 11, 2006 10:58 AM:

" a concerned reader, apparently you do not have a dog yourself, most people consider their dogs a part of the family and if the lion was after your son or daughter, then would it be okay in your book? "

a concerned reader wrote on Jul 11, 2006 10:43 AM:

" I find it deplorable people consider it acceptable to kill a native species whos numbers aren't even known, just to save a single dog. Maybe this 'rancher' just wanted a nice trophy on the wall and opportunity just happened to strike at the right time. The proposed mountain lion season is nothing more then an excuse for the 'hunters' to pretend they are on safari in Africa, this is the one time I actually HOPE PETA or another organization steps in. "

All for Lions But... wrote on Jul 11, 2006 9:29 AM:

" It's great having mountain lions around- but only in moderation and only if they've a healthy fear of humans. The limited hunting season and laws allowing property owners' defense is a step in that direction. Having lions an integral part of the ecology adds mystique to our state. Maintaining a veil between their world and ours- through a healthy a fear- protects them and us by minimizing the number of times our worlds overlap. "

Russ wrote on Jul 11, 2006 8:58 AM:

" Even though the rancher was acting within the law, don't be surprised if PETA or some other animal rights group launches a protest. "

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