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Two mountain lions killed

MIKE McCLEARY/Tribune Colin Penner, a private lands biologist with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, helps fur bearer biologist Dorothy Feske weigh the mountian lion of Thursday in Bismarck. The big cat weighed 112 pounds and measured over 85 inches from nose to tail.

Jun 01, 2007 - 04:06:30 CDT

By RICHARD HINTON
Bismarck Tribune

One man has been cited, and another man was within his rights in the shootings of two mountain lions this week in North Dakota.

A 6- to 8-month-old, 46-pound female lion was killed Sunday near Mandaree in McKenzie County, Fred Poitra, director of the Three Affiliated Tribes Game and Fish Division, said Thursday.

The second lion was a 2- to 2Â½-year-old, 112-pound male that was shot Wednesday in a farmyard near Alkabo in Divide County, said Daryl Kleyer, Williston district game warden supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Walter Deville was cited for shooting the Mandaree lion, said Poitra.

"He thought the tribal mountain lion season was still in effect," Poitra added. "With all the sightings and trying to locate one around the New Town Marina, he thought this one was that guy."

Although the state's mountain lion season closed Nov. 9 when the quota of five cats was filled, the mountain lion season on the Fort Berthold Reservation continued until March 11, the date the state season would have closed if the five-cat quota hadn't been filled.

Jerry Stromstad killed the Alkabo lion within 25 yards of his mother's farm house, Kleyer said Thursday.

"He was within his rights," Kleyer added. "We don't want lions interacting that close to people."

Stromstad, who farms, was contacted by his mother about seeing a lion. He drove to the house and found his mother was outside trying to get the second of two dogs inside, he said.

"Iwent in and got a gun and drove around in the pasture. Ididn't see it, but one dog kept barking. I walked through the trees, and it was crouched down in the trees right behind the house, probably 25 yards from the house," Stromstad said.

He shot it from about 15 feet with a .270 caliber rifle. It measured 85Â½ inches from the end of its nose to the tip of its tail.

Kleyer found a dead house cat in the vicinity of where the lion was first spotted.

"It was lying where the woman said she originally noticed the lion. There was tall grass and one area was flattened," Kleyer said.

Stromstad won't get to keep the cougar, however. "We'll use it for educational purposes," said Randy Kreil, NDGFD wildlife division chief.

Neither will Deville.

The Three Affiliated Tribes took the hide and skull and will have the hide tanned.

"Then we will decide what to do with it. It was the first one taken on the reservation since the land was flooded in the '50s," said Poitra. A mountain lion was found frozen in the ice on Lake Sakakawea in April, and its skull is going to the museum, Poitra added.

The young female lion, which measured 65Â½ inches from its nose to its tail tip, points to the possibility that cougars are expanding their range in North Dakota, said Dorothy Fecske, NDGFD furbearer biologist who took preliminary data from the male cat Thursday morning. She plans to do necropsies on both cougars in a couple of weeks.

"The North Missouri River Breaks region could support a small breeding population," she said, "and the young female is further evidence that lions are moving into formerly occupied habitat."

The male was "most likely dispersing, which is typical of the species," Fecske added.

Deville made a 100- or 150-yard shot on the Mandaree female, Poitra said.

"He saw its tail flicker as it stood on a hill. He didn't realize the season was done with. He wasn't hiding anything. He was straightforward," Poitra said.

The New Town area has had plenty of mountain lion sightings lately.

"I figure we had 10 or 15 in the last month or so. A female and (kitten) crossed the bridge Saturday night, and Sunday someone saw one across from the New Town Marina," Poitra said.

"There is a concern for safety in the area."

(Reach outdoor writer Richard Hinton at 250-8256 or richard.hinton@;bismarcktribune.com.)

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Comments

Jason wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:49 AM:

" Wow! this amazes me what I read from comments. It appears that people who live in areas there are mountain lions don't understand just that. They have chosen to live in a place that has mountain lions. You will have to live with your choices. I can see if you shoot one in defense but just cause they live around you what a joke. Leave them be. It seems that there is a I see one so lets shoot it attitude. I am from NE and I don't even agree with what the Conservation officers do around here. If you don't like them then move away its a simple is that. If you cant afford it thank the people who helped you get into that situation. "

Dan wrote on Jun 19, 2007 8:57 AM:

" When it comes to actual Lion population you are not even close to what some states have. I won't even get into people to lion ratio. I think you know were I'm going with this. In the last 100 years there have been a total of 13 deaths by mountian lion. Most of them out west. Are you kidding me 13 in a 100 years everyone get your guns lets shoot them all. Come on people get educated before you go killing everything. These are beautiful animals and should only be taken out if you feel your life is in danger. However that is rarely the case. Remember you choose where you live. Deal with it "

SJ wrote on Jun 15, 2007 8:24 AM:

" To Young Lady: I agree with the idea that mountain lions are dangerous but not nearly so much as an automobile. "

Young Lady:(New Town) wrote on Jun 13, 2007 9:24 PM:

" I think you should allow the community and not make it a Mountian Lion Season to hunt for the Lions it shouldn't be a sport"Mountian Lions are Highly dangerous to the human race." The Mountian Lions Need to be thined out it's getting to be much!!!!The Community is just not safe to walk in anymore and i'm scared to even let my two children outside some days plus their getting close to city limits so dont make us have to pay to lay them out it should be free!!!!!!!!! Thank You T.A.T Enrolled Member**Young Lady**(New Town) "

Mom of 2 wrote on Jun 12, 2007 6:50 PM:

" I also live out in the country and have creatures of many kinds eating my garden, trees, plants, etc and causing havoc and will not bat an eye to go to all measures to get rid of them. For the smaller creatures less invasive actions seem to take care of them but don't kid yourself if that doesn't work or for the larger animals a simple bullet is alot less expensive then loosing my food or what I have worked my life to build and let something uninvited destroy it. I am no redneck by any means but I am not afraid to protect my property & family to unwanted predators. Some people on this blog are acting as if these people are taking great joy in killing these animals. That is not the case at all. It's called protection and yes these animals deserve to live and roam also but not in my backyard and also by means of living by eating a human being. "

GG wrote on Jun 12, 2007 8:50 AM:

" As a farmer or a business person - there will be a certain amount of losses each year due to many things. All businesses have risks each business will have different risks it is just part of business. "

Teichthesen wrote on Jun 11, 2007 2:28 PM:

" A mouintain lion is a very large and agressive carnivor. It will generally avoid contact with humans if it can. If sightings are becoming numerous there is a good chance that there are many more unseen lions. Co-habitation between humans and mountain lions is not a formula for success. Were I to find a large predator taking up residence in my back yard, I would drop it too. "

Thomas Elliot wrote on Jun 11, 2007 10:07 AM:

" Kill everything. "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 11, 2007 8:24 AM:

" to Charles; What if's are a part of my daily life as a rancher/farmer. What if we have a drought, what if we get hailed out, etc? We try to plan as best we can for the what if's. No good usually comes from hiding ones head in the sand and saying ' it can't happen here.' Of course, unexpected things are going to happen. That is just life. But it is nice to know how to handle a specific situation, if at all possible. And we now know that we do have more lions in this state than has been previously reported. "

Jess wrote on Jun 10, 2007 11:13 AM:

" To Kitty Cats: There are hundreds of records of mountain lion attacks towards humans in many of the western states...are the mountain lions in North Dakota different than the mountain lions in say California? GOD didn't give us this chance to live side by side with mountain lions ... as if we are living in some sort of prairie garden of eden"...the fact that the lions are becoming ever more present in human dominated territores of ND, are indications they are becoming more agressive and less fearful of humans. There is something wrong when a mountain lion is lurking, crouched in trees watching the comings and goings of an active farm yard, or cats wondering along walking-biking paths as well as golf course and RV camp grounds in New Town that are frequented by humans... I don't think we need to WAIT for an attack, when we already know that they occur in other states. If the cat is in the wilds...leave them alone...if they are lurking and crouching and wandering in human environments...get rid of them. Would you kill a RAT living in your house as long as it wasn't attacking you? Yeah.... would you kill a RAT if you saw in running around in a grove of trees out in the middle of no where...probably not. "

GTT wrote on Jun 10, 2007 8:48 AM:

" I find it rather interesting that about 3 years ago G &F people denied "sightings" of mountain lions. There might be one just passing through, or people are just seeing house cats or dogs. Where excuses giving. Then suddenly we have a season! There sure was a population explosion all of the sudden or was there? A solution to overpopulation of deer in areas with high vehicle/deer accidents? Where accident claims breaking the Insurance Companys perhaps? I thought I would stir the pot. I believe that the people who live in the rural areas know what is best for there property and families. If they don't want lions around their farm yards ect. let them decide what is best. "

free market radical wrote on Jun 9, 2007 2:21 PM:

" BS, While were busy making personal choices I think we should discuss food production. In the early 1970's my job was to inject calves with Ralgro, a wonder drug that gave subsantial weight gain over nontreated calves (for nonfarmers, weight gain in beef calves is the game). Ralgro is a artifical female growth hormone, and it has lots of competation . If you buy meat in the store it was treated with this (causes breast cancer?). It was also the time that routuine feeding of antibiodics started. These drugs pass throught to humans. About 1970 hydrogenated corn oils appeared, it's cheap, now these transfats are awash in our food. Considering this, I don't think the obisity epidemic that started in the early 1970's is an acccident. Most people don't know what is in the food they buy. I have no animostiy to success, in fact I hope to be rich one day. What bothers me is ill gotten gains. I truly believe subsidized commidities enrich a hand full of select millionairs while hurting small farmers and many others. If they are such good farmers they should go earn it on their own by producing food that informed consumers want to buy. If a lion is a threat to life or property destroy it. However most of these are confused adolesecents, throw rocks at them and tell them to go away, thats what I do to the confused adolesecent boys that stop by to see my daughter. I'll try to find a hobby to release my frustration. "

Population(human) Control wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:01 PM:

" Wow "Pat" and "to Linda from Seattle" you two really make ND seem inviting. No wonder we don't many people moving into our state. You two won't even let someone post comments on a ND newspaper's website? I don't care if that person was from a different planet, they have as much right to post nonsensical things as you do (which I see you exercise on an almost daily basis). Also, who's to say that someone outside of the state isn't affected by the mountain lions or that they won't have a solution because they went through a similar situation in their home state. I would rather read Linda's banter than the garbage that spews from your mouths! "

free market radical wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:37 PM:

" to the other guy, You as well as anybody knows how tough it is to make it as a small producer of commidities. It is almost impossible and someone is calling it quits all the time. Most small farms have to have some form of off farm income to make it work. Do you really think there is any possibility that you can get the 2.1 million farmers in america to go on a 2 year vacation. Espically now that prices are high. Do you really have enough savings to go 2 years paying land taxes, operating and equipment loans plus take care of your family. I stand by my point, go ahead do it, take your vacation and try to get everybody to go along with you, we will see who misses you. If you do I fear some dentist from Denver will buy your farm at the bankruptcy auction. So why not make a go of it myself? With the farm bill being what it is (among other things causing lion populations to increase while human numbers go down)it will not work. I can make more money sitting on a bar stool collecting rents that I ever could farming it. Plus I have created other things to do that are much more rewarding to me. "

Pat wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:24 PM:

" To linda from seattle .....why are you so worried about the books for kev...dont worry about him worry about you!!!!!!!!!! Grow up! Thanks "

To Linda from Seattle wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:17 PM:

" Just curious on how you are involved in this North Dakota issue? "

Linda from Seattle wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:11 PM:

" Kev. Got those books yet? "

BS wrote on Jun 8, 2007 9:06 AM:

" Free Racal Market, your comment "You say food is cheap and healthy, then why do we have so much food related disease (obesity and diabites)in this country ?" is a pretty interesting one. How can you argue with such an intelligent comment? Lets see, I think I can give it a try.....seems to me those "food related diseases" are due to human choices--poor choices at that. Is that the correct term "food related" diseases? I think it would be more appropriate to say choice-related diseases. That would be like blaming Coors for all the alcoholics in the world. I don't think the local farmer twists the city dwellers arm when he goes through the local McDonalds and says "Super-size that", nor does he/she force pop and snacks down societys throat. Think it is about time that people take responsibility for their own actions. You seem to harbor alot of animosity towards success in society. You comment about others "benefiting" and yet I noticed in your last comment you made it a point of saying " I am a manufactures representative that sells rather pricey equipment to a certian segment of the energy exploration and development industry. I also own a company that install and maintains that equipment. In my spare time I have 40 cows and and try to gouge the BTO's on cash rent on the farm I bought from mom and dad about 5 years ago." Hmmmm....your right, your life sounds GREAT! Oh to be as successful as you...maybe someday when I grow up. (Maybe you should get a hobby to release some of that pent up frustration with life...) I want to say about the lions that I am not advocating shooting them for any reason other than when they actually do come close enough to property/people. I just think that Game & Fish should do a better job of creating some awareness and being honest about the numbers/incidents. "

proud redneck wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:57 AM:

" Kev says lets cut down trees. Think about that statement. Trees take years to grow and have a huge impact on our enviroment. They reduce erosion, and improve the quality of our air, provide shade, and also provide shelter for wildlife. We have so few trees in our state, but Kev says lets cut them down and put up a fence. WOW!! "

To Kev wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:42 AM:

" From the other guy: My point about the fence was to be realistic. How in the world can you afford to put a fence around 500 acres, 1000 acres or more. And you can't just put up one big fence, you will need to leave section lines open etc. And a lot of the pastures don't have electricty to them, so to dig in electrical lines for the electric fence would cost a lot as well. It's a nice thought, but in most cases would just be to expensive. I also can't imagine cutting down our 2 to 3 row tree wind breaks either. The increase in energy use would be tremendous and the soil erosion and top soil loss would be detrimental. It also provides wind protection in the winter and spring to the livestock. I just wanted you to think about your solution to the problem. "

Bis wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:38 AM:

" Why are people so excited about open season on the mountain lions in ND? This cats every right being here as much as we do. We need to get our act together and figure out how to live with these cats instead killing them when we see one. "

MamaMia wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:37 AM:

" I'm with you, Punker. These cats are a threat to truth, justice and the American way! If we don't get in there now and stay until the battle is finished, they'll start forming factions and an internal fight will ensue, with US, the American people, the ultimate victims. Onward with the SURGE! "

Charles wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:34 AM:

" We need to quit living the WHAT IF’S and live for today. "

To Free market radical wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:26 AM:

" From the other guy, if you had read my posting closely, I didn't suggest one or two farmers take 2 years off, I suggested all farmers take two years off. Maybe the world we feed would be more appreciative. And we all can see now why you have the views you have, instead of gouging the BTO's with high cash rents, why not make a go of it yourself or are you too scared to take the risk of full time farming or ranching like the rest of us smaller operators??? "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 8, 2007 7:52 AM:

" to Kev; We are talking about 1400 acres to fence, with trees, pastures, crop land, etc. Not just a small 100' by 50' lot. My husband walks out and I use a four wheeler three times daily to check cattle over a forty acre pasture. We use a four wheeler to check cattle three or four times a week in larger outlying pastures. Fix outlying fences and corrals. We have all sorts of wildlife tracks in our corrals, even those corrals right near the house. Deer, coyote, bobcat, etc. We do all this on a daily basis. My husband does not live in or on his tractor and I do not stay in my house. Spend sixty percent of my day is spent outside working with him or by myself. These animals are predators and will attack cattle and horses and have been known to attack people. They are just too big and strong to chase off or defend oneself from. As for a gun, of course they are perfectly legal, but no one wants to see half of the population 'loaded for bear' when they leave their house. We are already being called ignorant, uneducated red-necks for even proposing the idea that we might have to shoot these animals. What do you think will happen if we do start going out armed to the teeth? Which we may have to do if these animals become more prolific on the plains. And please don't accuse me of over-reacting. Just telling how things are and could possibly become if we begin to have a larger population of these lions. "

kev wrote on Jun 7, 2007 9:48 PM:

" My point about building a fence and cutting down your trees around your yard is that you can minimize your risk of encountering a mountain lion. now I’m no expert in mountain lions but a predator is a predator whether on four leg or two. so, it seems logical putting a barrier and taking away hiding spots for predators can minimize your risk. also, carrying a side arm outside is perfectly legal and might not be a bad idea if worse comes to worse. there are many type of fences out there and one type isn't always the best for every situation. an elk fence might keep those pesky lions off your property, they're about 8 feet tall and I’m sure you could rig up an electric fence on the top of it. sure its not cheap to build but its better than nothing. since an open season on mountain lions will never happen. I’d like to know why so many people think mountain lions don't belong here? "

free market radical wrote on Jun 7, 2007 8:23 PM:

" BS, I will stick with all my facts. This overproduction of commidities is costing us dearly, and it damages rural communities, taxpayers, the environment, enriches undeserving rich people, hurts the poor here and abroad, and encourages mountian lions to try to eat Mouth from the South's cow. You say food is cheap and healthy, then why do we have so much food related disease (obesity and diabites)in this country ? If I am so smug why don't you hook up with that other guy and take a 2 year vacation from planting and harvesting just to teach me a lesson? Then we will see who misses whom. What do I do? I am a manufactures representative that sells rather pricey equipment to a certian segment of the energy exploration and development industry. I also own a company that install and maintains that equipment. In my spare time I have 40 cows and and try to gouge the BTO's on cash rent on the farm I bought from mom and dad about 5 years ago. Life is good, thanks for asking. "

Deb wrote on Jun 7, 2007 5:21 PM:

" I read something that the only known animal who stalks humans for food is the polar bear. All other times humans are eaten by animals it's a wrong place, wrong time deal. So I guess it's more than an opinion of mine to say that becuase of technology, humans are always at the top of the food chain. We have a tendency to be idiots sometimes, however, so we sometimes have the ability to be eaten by the big bad wolf. "

free market radical wrote on Jun 7, 2007 4:35 PM:

" Deb, When you ask? When one of us humans gets eaten by tigers, lions, or bears. Didn't you see the movie Jaws. I am not saying it is a good thing, just that it happens, and when it happens the human is at some place less that the top of the food chain. If a mountian lion can sneak up on a herd of deer and attack without being noticed I am not sure how much of a chance I'd have, gun or not. "

BS wrote on Jun 7, 2007 3:53 PM:

" Free Market Radical: You need to check your facts. US farmers do not "dump" their cheap commodities on other countries. If you would in fact do some research, you would realize that many of the countries that import from the US export those same commodities. Sounds like free enterprise--not unfair trade practices. The exception would be those third world countries who rely on government food aid. You stated, "To say we are helping because they can't produce is absurd"--maybe you should participate in a humanitarian effort somewhere in a third world country to see first hand. Regardless of how much infinite wisdom you think you have--the fact remains you have more money in your pocket at the end of the month because you enjoy a cheap and healthy food supply, you don't have to stand in line for hours waiting to have food rations handed to you by your government--for that you should be thankful rather than smug. By the way what is it that you contribute to society (other than your infinite wisdom)? "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 7, 2007 3:46 PM:

" to Deb; I don't always agree with you but right now I do. Very few posters are advocating eradication of mountain lions and I have somewhat ignored those that do, including punker. Although punker may be right. Re-locating these animals is usually not successful so sometimes extreme measures must be taken. We do have a right to protect our livestock, pets and family from any animal, be it wild or domestic. And those that live in the city have the same rights. However, the difference between the city and the rural is that if a wild animal threatens or invades your property, you can call animal control or the local police station and they will help with the situation. As a farmer/rancher, I have no such resource to depend upon. I must depend upon myself and my judgement of the situation at the time. I don't particularly advocate a season on mountain lions, but if they become too wide spread, will have to be treated just like the deer. And I truly don't believe that we should be allowing these animals to roam free in populated areas near civilization. As for the bear in the mountains, they do live in wilderness areas. When they start to invade civilized areas, they are either re-located or, if necessary, shot. And they don't have to have attacked anyone for this to happen. "

Deb wrote on Jun 7, 2007 3:42 PM:

" To "Free market radical" : oh really? like when? They're called guns. If a bear could figure out how to use one, we'd really be in trouble. Until then, humans rule the roost, my friend. "

free market radical wrote on Jun 7, 2007 3:13 PM:

" Deb, humans are not always at the top of the food chain. "

BCH wrote on Jun 7, 2007 2:50 PM:

" I feel bad, i know these animals are a threat but i wouldn't have killed them. I think they should have been tranquilized and released back in to the wild. We do enough damage to the environment. Wait until we run out of everything, and the population starts to die down, what will our priorities be then>? "

proud redneck wrote on Jun 7, 2007 2:35 PM:

" Deb, you are right on. I do not hunt these cats but will protect my family and critters if I feel they are in danger. Mountain lions for the most part keep away from humans, so with that said if they do come in close contact it is because something has driven them out of their natural habitat. Livestock and pets make easy prey and any cat seen in the prairie parts of the state are there for one reason and one reason only, to stock prey. That is why if I see one on or near my land, dead cat! "

free market radical wrote on Jun 7, 2007 2:27 PM:

" To BS, Dave and the guy between them. In 1900 there were 29 million farms, 1950-25 million, 1990-2.9 million, 2000-2.17 million and 2005 2.1 million. Consumers never felt the pain of the loss of those farmers. The number of farms will continue to go down as total poulation increases. It is not a job growth industry. Unless I get my way, production will increase in spite of the loss of farmers. True, we dump our excess grain on poor countries at less than the cost of production. This causes distruction of local agriculture infastructure. To say we are helping because they can't produce is absurd. It would be like claiming back in the 1980's when the Japanese were dumping cars on the US market at less that the cost of production that were providing us cars to drive because we couldn't make them ourselfs. Both were unfair trade practices. Yes, I got paid during the rain. I like geting paid ! No I am not a lawyer. Back to the lions, low human population density makes it easier for them to survive, and that was my point. "

Deb wrote on Jun 7, 2007 12:15 PM:

" I don't buy the whole "they were here first, so they deserve the run of the land" argument. We're the top of the food chain, like it or not, and thus are afforded certain luxuries such as living in a safe environment. If a mountain lion, coyote, dog, whatever, invades your space and you are threatened by it, you have the right to eliminate it from your property. If a mountain lion is near your property, there is something wrong. They are by nature very elusive. In fact, I'd wager a guess that almost everyone in this state will never see a mountain lion in their lives. I'd feel very honored to see in one in a native habitat, actually. Oh, and Punker - yer an idiot. "

Punker wrote on Jun 7, 2007 11:13 AM:

" Deb, the solution to any problem with these blood-thirsty monsters can always be found with the business end of a rifle. Pop POP! "

proud redneck wrote on Jun 7, 2007 10:35 AM:

" A hunting season on rednecks!!! If you think we get defensive when a cat shows up on our land....... well Lorna be prepared us rednecks shoot quick and accurate. "

Online Editor wrote on Jun 7, 2007 9:54 AM:

" To Lets the CATS live, Bis, ND hunter and Kitty Catz: Please stick with a single screen name, it makes the conversation easier to follow for me and other readers. "

Lets the CATS live wrote on Jun 7, 2007 9:25 AM:

" I might just start carrying around a gun under my seat. This would be of great assistance the next time I drive out of town and I see a cow, horse, dog or any livestock out of a fenced area that might cause injury to me/family. Shoot because they might run in front of my vehicle (causing an accident) which would cause injury to me and/or my family? Sounds like a plan. "

Will wrote on Jun 7, 2007 9:18 AM:

" Oh my god some of the people that have posted some of these comments must be on some good stuff. First up these animals were here long before we were. They have just as much right to roam the prairie as you or I. Second of all there is such a thing as 'Self Defense', If the animal is pressing your teritory then yeah it would need to be eliminated. That don't mean you can find one 20 miles from your house and decide it posts you a threat. As far as "Country Dweller with Kids" is concerned your 5 year old on the swing set could be attacked just as easily by a rabid skunk. Fact of the matter is you take your chances in living in the country, I love it outdoors myself. Fact of the matter its as much thiers as ours. We need to find a balance. "

ND hunter wrote on Jun 7, 2007 9:16 AM:

" To proud redneck ---- Are they going to have a hunting season for redneck study next year with a limit of 5 rednecks? Then the following year have another season with another limit of five rednecks? With the third year an unlimited amount of rednecks can be shot between August and March? This might just keep people from leaving the state knowing that in three years they can shoot as many rednecks as they can. Heck, people might be coming from all over the world to shoot a ND redneck. Redneck hunting could actually be a booming business for ND. "

Kitty Catz wrote on Jun 7, 2007 9:12 AM:

" What if there is a population of mountain lions in this state? There has not been one report of a cat attacking a human. When is this over reacting going to stop? These cats are here to stay and we all should be very grateful GOD has given us a chance to live side by side with them. "

BS wrote on Jun 7, 2007 9:03 AM:

" To Free Market Radical--You think that fewer US farmers will solve a problem? Currently you enjoy the most abudant and cheapest food supply in the world. Eliminate farmers and you will be complaining about more than the cost of gas. I assume because of your extension knowledge in all that is right/wrong in the world that you are a "businessman". The countries that you list that do not subsidize agriculture rely on OUR government to feed their starving people. US farmers not only provide a healthy cheap supply to you, but to the majority of the countries you have listed. Are you suggesting that we let them fend for themselves? Or perhaps your pockets are deep enough that you could take on the cause yourself? I thought this forum was about a ND mountain lion population--maybe you should start your own blog somewhere to educate all us ignorant people. For those of you that think mountain lion attacks don't happen if we "leave them alone"--just thought I would pass along a couple of recent articles. Oh and from the looks of the articles, North Dakota is not the only state with "redneck hunters" taking care of the situation. http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=70286 http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1300&dept_id=156925&newsid=18429345&PAG=461&rfi=9 http://cbs4denver.com/topstories/local_story_145220153.html As far as lions are concerned--I will take the advice of "shoot, shovel and shut-up". "

To Free market radical and Kev wrote on Jun 7, 2007 8:56 AM:

" To Free market radical: I am a farmer and would like nothing more than to see your June 6, 2007 5:43 pm posting come true with the farmers of the world taking a year or two off to relax. To quote you: "city people would do just fine with far fewer farmers". Just fine with me, but don't come crying to us when you have no food to eat!! And to Kev, do you really think your backyard fence will stop a mountain lion if they choose to come to your house?? Be realistic and have you ever been to a farm at night? I have 6 yard lights by the barns and house, two motion lights on the house and lock my doors to discourage predators and thieves. Do you really think your locked doors and lights will stop a thief if they really want in your house or are high on drugs? Do I advocate the killing of mountain lions for no good reason? No, but faced with the issue of a mountain lion in my yard (which is surrounded by nothing but flat farm land, no mountains, no rivers and no forests) I would do whatever it took to protect my family, including calling the Game and Fish to remove it from the area if possible. P.S. I have a college degree also, does that mean I am too smart to live in the country and need to move to the city? "

Dave wrote on Jun 7, 2007 8:47 AM:

" to free market radical - Australia and New Zealand don't subsidize at all? The newest data I could find from 2004 indicates that Australian farmers received 4% of their income from the government and 2% for New Zealand farmers. These rates are quite low but to say they don't get any subsidy isn't exactly factual either. If you can link farm subsidies to people shooting cats, you should probably be a lawyer, or maybe you are. I think you should check your short list of countries that you claim are the ONLY ones to subsidize farming too. I'm not going to reply on here anymore about farm subsidies posted under a completely unrelated story so you can have the last word if you want. I have to go drive my rusted out 1974 Chevy that all those farm subsidies pay for and try not to get stuck in the mud. Let me guess, you are still working and making money today while it is raining, right? "

Response to Deb wrote on Jun 7, 2007 8:03 AM:

" Excellent comment. You are correct - we're looking to create problems before they exist. History has shown that we tend to be too reactive, then later say "Duh, I guess we should have done things differently." We have eradicated many species, and created all types of environmental problems, because people didn't think things through, and were more concerned about personal interests. We fear things we don't know or understand, and react based on that fear. This is true of many situations, not just those involving wildlife. And you are so right about other states - I know several people in CA and FL, and they are constantly exposed to wildlife in the areas they live, but to them, it's part of every day life - coexisting with the wildlife. They take appropriate precautions, of course, but aren't out screaming for every animal they see to be killed. "

Lorna wrote on Jun 6, 2007 10:09 PM:

" When can I get my hands on a redneck hunting license?? Open season?!?!??! "

Sk wrote on Jun 6, 2007 9:14 PM:

" Very well put deb, thats all that I can say about that. Thats actually where I was trying to go with my earlier post about the bears in Montana but that post got ignored so I did not have a chance to elaborate on my thought. Well done. "

kev wrote on Jun 6, 2007 8:46 PM:

" sorry, forgot i was in engilsh class! why do you have to live in the country to be so much smarter about nature? 99.9 percent of us have never seen a mountain lion in this state but we all know what to do if we see one. "

Deb wrote on Jun 6, 2007 5:44 PM:

" What constitues a "problem" that you are looking for the Game & Fish to admit exists? And if that "problem" were to exist, what is the solution that you are advocating? We have a hunting season. What more do you want? And, for the sake of conversation, what if a person were mauled - adult or, God forbid, a child. What course of action would you advocate? Would you advocate for open season on all lions? Treat them like vermine and attempt to erradicate them from ND again? For those that would advocate erradication - is it possible that you are overly afraid of the cat because you possibly know little about these solitary animals? Honestly, I think so. MT, CO, CA, etc, have much more dense populations of mountain lions and humans than we do here and as such, have dealt with humans being mauled and killed. They did not declare open season. Why do we in ND seem to think that it's okay to do so here, with a much smaller population of humans and mountain lions, thus less chance of interaction? "

free market radical wrote on Jun 6, 2007 5:43 PM:

" Dave, I can complain about crop subsidies because I can see how much damage they do and how blantly unfair they are. When you say we subsidize less than almost every country you are wrong. Only North America, European contries, Japan and Israel (ironically with US taxpayers money) subsidize. All the rest of the countries in africa , asia and south america don't. New Zeland and Australia don't. You have it completely backward, most countries don't subsidize. You are entitle to your own opinions but not your own facts. In fact, most US farmers don't get any commidity subsidy. My point about the lions was that the huge grain farms favored by the Farm Bill cause downward pressure on human populations in rural areas. Lions avoid people, depopulated areas favor growing lion populations. Finally, City people would do just fine with far fewer farmers that we have now. That, by the way is the trend, and the farm bill makes sure we will have fewer farmers ! "

Sk wrote on Jun 6, 2007 4:36 PM:

" to "WTF? " ND actually has over 100,000 more people than Wyoming, just though you might like to know. "

BS wrote on Jun 6, 2007 4:31 PM:

" IF someone's child or an adult gets mauled?! I say "WHEN" an adult or child gets mauled. And since all you PETA lovers think that it is suburbia encroaching on their space--keep that in mind should you ever come face to face with one. (Just remember...."nice kitty, kitty") As far as locations of these animals--seems Game & Fish isn't "counting" all the confirmed areas. How bout south of Bismarck...can't say there aren't a few rednecks out there but I think a little honesty for safetys sake should be required. "

Linda in Seattle wrote on Jun 6, 2007 2:51 PM:

" Kev: See you should have listened and got them there books. "

WTF? wrote on Jun 6, 2007 1:01 PM:

" I keep wondering, what if somebody's small child or even an adult gets mauled by one? Then what? Is Game and FIsh going to then finally admit that there is a breeding population in the state. I am not a biologist or an expert by any means but i think the evidence is all there. There has been sitings all over the state and what about the ones killed during last years season? 4 of them east of the river. They are breeding and moving around looking for new territory to establish. I know that they dont just go around attacking people but people are attacked every year all over the country. ND doesnt have the population like states like Montana, Wyoming, or California but all its going to take is one incident for G&F to say "we may have a problem." I dont believe in just killing them on sight but a man has a right to protect his family, home and property. "

Cindy wrote on Jun 6, 2007 9:06 AM:

" We continue to invade wildlife habitats, then complain when wildlife comes "too close to us," and want to kill these animals. They are far less of a threat than people are - not only to them, but also to each other. "

Sally wrote on Jun 6, 2007 9:01 AM:

" I saw this coming, when they decided to have a hunting season for mountain lions. Part of the ignorance that pervades this state. It started with the excuse that someone wanted to "study" them, although other studies have been done/are being done tracking live lions. You'd think a person would learn more about the lines by studying them live, if that's actually what the intent is. Seems to be more of an excuse to expand the hunting. "

It's a Good Thing wrote on Jun 6, 2007 8:56 AM:

" Our world has/is overpopulated with humans. I see these predatory animals as a good thing. If they attack and kill you, that is just one less mouth to feed and one less person's waste to deal with. I'm not saying everyone get a gun and kill anyone/anything that threatens your existence, but don't you think that a mountain lion attack is the natural order of things? If it happens on God's earth then it must be His plan, so how could that be wrong? God did not create guns and therefore I think it is only fair that if you want to kill a mountain lion, you should fight it fist to paw! "

God Bless Rednecks wrote on Jun 6, 2007 8:51 AM:

" Don't ask, Don't tell...blow them all straight to Hell! Any family member endangered or at risk by these predators and we should then all take pride in being red necks. "

Dave wrote on Jun 6, 2007 8:12 AM:

" to free market radical - how can you complain about all the government subsidies in this country? do you have any idea how much less this country subsidizes it's farmers compared to almost every other country? check into most of Europes farm subsidies and then see what you have to say. i have no idea how this article turned into another city vs. farmer topic. both need each other to survive so we pretty much need to get over that. seriously. "

RJ wrote on Jun 6, 2007 7:41 AM:

" Tiris, Kev, I'm curious. Have you ever lived close to wild animals? Have you had pets or livestock killed by predators? Have you ever observed their behavior? Have you ever eaten meat, worn leather or fur, gone fishing? If so you have directly contributed to the killing of innocent animals and are no better than these "Rednecks" as you call them. Tiris, you live in Seattle, which was once pristine untouched wildlife habitat. Shame on you - you're part of the problem. Do you own an automobile? If so, shame on you. We will have to drill more oil wells on pristine wildlife habitat because of you. Shame on you. "

free market radical wrote on Jun 6, 2007 12:11 AM:

" Folks, I fear collectively we are demonstrating an irrational fear of predators, both the lion and human kind, both in cities and the country. Personally I find the human kind on meth in the country to be the most terrifying. "

Grrrrr To Grammar wrote on Jun 5, 2007 11:08 PM:

" Kev, it's far, not fare! "

kev wrote on Jun 5, 2007 6:53 PM:

" I’m glad you don't live in the city mouth from the south because you would put a few post up and some barb wire around your backyard and call it a fence. Barbed wire does little good at keeping mountain lions out. We in the city give up plenty of freedoms because of dangerous people that are fare worse than mountain lions. We also take precautions like locking are doors, trimming the bushes around our yards and having exterior lighting to keep home invaders away. You might not think that relevant to mountain lions but the same tactics can be applied to minimize the dangers of mountain lions. "

Sk wrote on Jun 5, 2007 6:34 PM:

" So then do you think that the people who live in/near the mountains in montana should kill all the bears there becuase they may be a danger? "

proud redneck wrote on Jun 5, 2007 4:14 PM:

" To Kev, no thanks to your fence idea, my 30-06 will work just fine. Anyone for a little cat stew!!! "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 5, 2007 4:09 PM:

" to Kev; IF you had bothered to read some of my previous posts about this situation, you would know that I do not advocate killing mountain lions or any wildlife unless necessary. And no, one hundred years does not nullify the tens of thousands of years that they were here. However, since they roamed here, things have changed greatly. Cities, small towns and farms have taken over their habitat. It is called civilization. We no longer live in a wilderness where wildlife is free to roam. We do not allow buffalo, elk or bear to roam freely except in designated areas. You probably now live where all this wildlife roamed, also. Are you willing to give up your livestyle so that we can return to the past like it was two hundred years ago? I doubt it, so why should anyone else. Just for the record, I already have my property fenced, do not hunt or fish, do not carry a gun in my vehicle and do not belong to any sportsman clubs or the NRA. Oh, also, if I have a cow that is dangerous or menacing, she hits the road by way of the sales barn. "

free market radical wrote on Jun 5, 2007 4:08 PM:

" As a former kid on a farmstead I thought the " kids to chew on" was kinda funny. "

Niki wrote on Jun 5, 2007 4:03 PM:

" Hmm, it is the 21st century...use guns to control the stupid things. Sure human attacks are rare but if you were in a situation where yourself or your kids were in an isolated area would you really want to take a chance that the lion would simply run away? I know I wouldn't. I say jack up the number of deer licenses available and let us control the food chain. I'm here, whether the mountain lions are or not. However, I'm not going to let the animals control my population. "

free market radical wrote on Jun 5, 2007 3:54 PM:

" Mouth , maby these mountian lions are policically correct, and have turned vegetarian and only eat oats and wheat. I know my cat eats beans and pasta. "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 5, 2007 3:40 PM:

" toSk; It was a joke. Although not necessarily a funny one. However, children do dis-appear all the time. How would one know if it was because of an animal attack? Anything is possible. "

kev wrote on Jun 5, 2007 3:10 PM:

" Well, Mrs. senior citizen mouth from the south that's seems to be born and raised in NORTH Dakota. I guess in your mind a hundred years or so of no mountain lions in ND nullifies the tens of thousands of years they been here before that. I guess bison don’t belong here either then. This is the 21st century, we can’t just solve all our problems with guns and violence. Cut down some trees and build a fence if you don’t like mountain lions on your land. "

Sk wrote on Jun 5, 2007 2:43 PM:

" Cmon "Mouth from the South ", "kids to chew on"? Don't you think you are making quite a leap of faith there? It is VERY well known that these cats do not for the most part look at humans are prey. There have been less than 50 cases in US histrory of mtn lions attempting to prey on humans. On the rare occation it does happen it is usually under etream circumstances such as starvation, but then again even humans have preyed on humans in that case. Either way it is not like these lions make a living off chewing on your country kin, c'mon "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 5, 2007 2:31 PM:

" to Kev; A mountain lion living in a culvert near a New Salem school plus the several other instances that were public knowledge last fall. Plus the one instance right now of being 75' from an occupied farmhome with barking dog. Just going out on a limb here (no pun intended) and saying if these animals are fearful of humans, would not have been near any of these places, let alone allowing themselves to be seen. And would like to know if you are more of an expert on wildlife than I am or if all your information has been out of a book or off the internet. I deal with or view wildlife on a daily basis, maybe not mountain lions, but deer, coyotes, fox, skunks, bobcats, etc. Almost all of these animals stay away from humans unless they are ill or there is another problem. Mountain lions should be no different. "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 5, 2007 1:49 PM:

" to Free Market Radical; Love it, but don't think that your theory will hold up. As far as I know, mountain lions aren't too keen on wheat or oat fields. They would probably have been happier with all the farmsteads with stray or tame cats and kids to chew on. And have never heard of cultivated fields being considered wilderness, but then I still have a lot to learn. "

Sk wrote on Jun 5, 2007 1:25 PM:

" "free market radical" I LOVE the way you think, and it's the truth. I genarally don't feel bad for farmers, when its hot, its too dry then when the rain comes and quenches the thirst of the soil then they say its too wet and cannot get my equipment in the field, they want mother nature to be a sprinkler then turn off and on. Anyways I do have sympathy for the small farmers becuase that is who has it rough and your right they are being put out by the big farmers and thats why many rural areas arew going bye bye, thus turning previous farm land back to prarie and natual habitat for lions. If you dont like then then get rid of the CPR on your 10,000 + acre farm that the govt. pays you for. "

save the wild life wrote on Jun 5, 2007 1:09 PM:

" Do you want to know what I think? If not dont read this. I think insted of killing them we should get some tranquilzers knock them out and put them in an unpopulated area with a but-load of food and leave them alone. Look it up any where you want they will tell you they wont bug you if you dont bug them just leave them alone they were here before any one of us. And they should have the right to go where they please this land was made for all animals before we were made. SAVE THE WILD LIFE!!! "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 5, 2007 12:57 PM:

" to Kev; First of all, I am not a man. I am a sixty some year old woman who has probably been here a lot longer than you have. Second, mountain lions have not been roaming the prairies of ND for quite a long time. Not even during my grandparent's time. So accusing us gun toting rednecks of having chased them out is pure fantasy. They have still been in isolated, wilderness areas of our state. If you want them to roam naturally, then you had better be prepared for them to be in your backyard also. They naturally roamed, with the bear, buffalo and wolf all over the state. That would include what is now downtown Bismarck, Fargo, Jamestown, Minot, etc. That, of course, is no longer possible, so it is quite easy for you to say they should be allowed to roam freely. That is, as long as freely doesn't mean your place of employment, your home, etc. "

free market radical wrote on Jun 5, 2007 12:30 PM:

" mouth from the south, here is what is going on with the lions. Commidity subsidizes have caused overproduction of grain, lowering prices. In turn farms become huge to achieve economies of scale that only make sence with the market preverting farm bill payments. These huge farms cause depopulation in rural areas. In some areas of the state populaions are lower that they were pre state hood. Areas with populations so are considered wilderness, or wildlands, natural homes to mountian lions. So now you know, if a lion eats one of your cows it was caused by the commidity title of the farm bill. "

to linda in seattle wrote on Jun 5, 2007 12:28 PM:

" who cares about what someperson in seattle thinks, mind your own business you snoop!! "

kev wrote on Jun 5, 2007 11:08 AM:

" And how many mountain lions have you personally encountered Mr. Mouth from the south to make the claim they have little fear of man? Oh and if I remember right we had wolves, grizzlies and cougars in ND well before you. So what’s not natural about them being here now? You and your gun maybe? "

Dave wrote on Jun 5, 2007 9:59 AM:

" I think it would be cool to see one of these big cats in the wild too, but like most of you are saying, if it was in my yard I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it. Now to all you PETA people, I consider humans on the top of the food chain, please correct me if I am wrong. If you want to let predatory animals be on top of the food chain then go swim with sharks or something. By the way, if sharks are on top of the food chain in the ocean, why don't you get mad at them for eating other fish? Who protects the gazelles in Africa from getting attacked and eaten by lions? I would like to see some PETA wackos try to talk the lions out of eating other animals. Seriously people. "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 5, 2007 8:44 AM:

" to Joe from Chicago; Great comments. There is just one problem that many people fail to realize. These supposedly solitary animals are no longer living in the wilderness. They have begun to populate areas that are not a known natural habitat. They are becoming more acclimated to civilization and the movements of people. That is the concern that many rural people have. They apparently have little or no fear of man. I would love to see one in the Mountains or in the wilderness areas of the Badlands. I just don't want to see one in my backyard or cattle pasture. "

Local YOkel wrote on Jun 5, 2007 7:25 AM:

" to proud redneck...I'm behind you 100%...YEE HAW! I think a lot of people feel this way and would respond the same way you would! "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 4, 2007 9:25 PM:

" One of the things that worries me the most with some of these posts is the total lack of understanding on the part of those who live in a city. If you do not have to or will probably never have to face this situation, why are you reacting with so much hostility to those of us who might have to. There are very few red-necked farmers and/or ranchers out here in the country. Very few would shoot a wild animal just for the fun of it. Most of us are concerned with protecting our property, not with having a trophy. My guess is that most of the red-necks are from urban areas and need to have something to brag about when they get home from the 'big hunt.' "

Joe from Chicago wrote on Jun 4, 2007 7:58 PM:

" I can see both sides of the argument. I would not want to be put in the position of having to watch my kids every minute while they play in my backyard or feel that my pets or family could be killed by an animal that is basically a killing machine. On the other hand the mountain lion is a beautiful animal that has as much right to live as any other living creature. In fact, I'd be honored to see or photograh one in the wild. The problem is people and lions coming in contact with each other is generally not going to be a good thing. Regulation and control is the only answer, if it can be done sensibly and without the risk of extermination. "

Sk wrote on Jun 4, 2007 6:38 PM:

" I am a proud city-dweller with a car, a fiance, and a 9 under the front seat of my 4-door car, and if I see a cow or a horse in a ditch outside the fence then that poses a threat to travelers saftey therefore dead livestock! "

Linda in Seattle wrote on Jun 4, 2007 2:04 PM:

" Kev: You must get some educational books. Please!!!!!!!!! "

proud redneck wrote on Jun 4, 2007 1:56 PM:

" I have kids, horses, a dog and a loaded rifle behind the seat of my 4x4 Ford pickup. I see one of these cats on my land, dead cat!!! "

MamaMia wrote on Jun 4, 2007 1:53 PM:

" All this vituperousness over a dang cat? Remember folks, we can't pull out now. If we don't fight those cats out there, we'll be fighting them right here! "

to "Is it just me?" wrote on Jun 4, 2007 1:33 PM:

" Are you trying to say that because a word is misspelled in multiple people's posts that they are the same person? If that is the case, then I would have to assume, using your logic, that almost all of the posts on this website come from the same person because virtually none of the posts are free of spelling and or grammatical errors. This does include yours. "

Online editor wrote on Jun 4, 2007 1:14 PM:

" Please return to civil discourse. "

Is it just me? wrote on Jun 4, 2007 11:22 AM:

" Once again we have one poster with multiple names. "Paul", "Please try harder", "Bis", "Fron the North" and "Kitty Catz" are all the same person. Not being able to spell "shoot" is pretty much gives it away. "

Paul wrote on Jun 4, 2007 10:51 AM:

" If I shot every person that I thought that was going to cause me or my family, Bismarck and Mandan’s population would be less than 1000 people. "

Please try harder wrote on Jun 4, 2007 10:50 AM:

" If people would quit moving into the mountain lion’s territory, they would have a wild place to live. But since we have moved into these cats yard we have to learn to live with them. We do not have the right to kill because we think they might hurt someone. "

Bis wrote on Jun 4, 2007 10:49 AM:

" Try walking across a street and watch the motorist around you. If I think they might hit me do I shot them because they might hit me. "

Fron the North wrote on Jun 4, 2007 10:49 AM:

" Has anyone heard of a warning shot 1st? Or is it shot to kill and then ask questions? "

Kitty Catz wrote on Jun 4, 2007 10:48 AM:

" Feed, house and cloth the child predators, rapist, murders, thefts and kill the mountain lions that walk near your house. This makes no sense at all. What is this world coming to? We will support the worst people in the world with our hard earned money and then support someone killing a mountain lion walking by. These cats have NOT attacked anyone in the state of ND and the chances are they would not. Mountain lions are trying to survive in what they have left. We need to give them the respect they deserve. "

Protect the CATS wrote on Jun 4, 2007 9:28 AM:

" The mountain lions do a lot of good in the state with keeping wild life in check. It is called the food chain. We need these predators. We are already experiencing an over populated deer population. Many deer are being killed on the highway each year and include the damage done to vehicles and the people that are injured and killed by hitting these deer. If the deer population continue to rise we will be experiencing disease and starving deer. This would be cruel for the deer to experience not to include for us to watch especially if we could have prevented some of it. "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 4, 2007 9:16 AM:

" to Kev; Just for the record, if a mountain lion wants to get into your backyard in the city, would not have any problem getting over your fence. I have rarely seen any backyard fence that would deter them. Would probably have to be a fence, at the very least, 8' tall. Remember, these guys are great jumpers and climbers. I could be wrong but would not want to bet my life on it. However, I do think that there has to be some common sense used here. Mountain lions belong in the wild. Contrary to what some of you might believe, the majority of rural ND is not considered wilderness. Therefore, they are moving into places that are not normal for them at least within the last sixty or seventy years. We just need to be alert to this and handle each situation on an individual basis. Actually, I believe the normal habitat, in the past, was along the Missouri River in the trees, other river bottoms, etc. Guess it would be alright to transplant some into the Cottonwoods along the river in west Bismarck. They would be right back where they roamed years ago. "

Sk wrote on Jun 3, 2007 11:38 PM:

" to "Country Dweller with kids", I love how you say that you dont have time to watch Jerry Springer because you are too busy feeding our ignorant mouths, but you sure do find time to come on here and enlighten us all. "

Country Dweller with Kids wrote on Jun 3, 2007 10:46 PM:

" TO KEV... What a great post, everyone can clearly see how naive you are after that enlightening post. Wow. The reason most us have tree rows around our farm is for wind protection year round. It also helps eliminate erosion and provides some weather protection for our cattle in the winter. (I suppose next he'll suggest we just build little houses for our cows). I don't mind the deer and the pheasants and the rabbits in our tree rows. They don't kill people. DUH. Next, about your excellent idea of a fence. ARE YOU SERIOUS? Yeah right, like a fence is going to keep out a mountain lion. Give me a break. What do you think keeps our cows in right now? Oh yeah, you must think we have shocking collars with a radius built in. Like you guys do in town with your dogs. Man, you need to get out more or else find another story to comment on. "

kev wrote on Jun 3, 2007 6:28 PM:

" maybe you country folk wouldn't have so many mountain lions in your yard if you just cut down all those tree rows that harbor all the animals that mountain lions eat like deer and pheasants. any hunter knows some of the best hunting can be found in tree rows around farm yards and i bet mountain lions know this too. i also would suggest building a fence around your yard and live stock if your so worried about mountain lions. thats what we do in the city but what do i know. "

free market radical wrote on Jun 3, 2007 4:48 PM:

" I love the mountion lions, wish we had more of them. Besides, everyone is looking for hay in January because they over stocked their cows . I can hardly wait for the wolf packs to come back, maby they will get rid of all these white tails. I'd bet that cows and horses kill and injure more people each year than the lions do, not to mention the carnage produced by rednecks. "

Paul Hense wrote on Jun 3, 2007 3:40 PM:

" I live in Michigan where there are only rumors of mountian lions. It is part of my regular shedule to check on the new areas these animals are showing up. It seems so simple to me. The cat in the yard unfortunately had to be shot. I love em but when they threaten children and the elderly they must be shot. The other animal was bothering no one and should have been left alone. All the extreme tree huggers who believe you never shoot them are fools. The red necks that kill them for the simple pleasure of killing are neandrathals that exist on a lower evolutionary scale than the cat. It is that simple. "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 3, 2007 3:35 PM:

" to Kent and Tiris; First of all mountain lions are not rare. Second, this mountain lion was within 75' of an occupied household. Was crouched down and apparently was not scared of the dogs or the man approaching with the gun. Third, most of us red-necked farm people with Jerry Springer mentality don't go around bragging about shooting animals. We have to do this more times than we like, what with rabid skunks, raccoons, etc. A mountain lion is just another hazard of farm life. Notice that I didn't say country life, because there is a big difference between moving out into the country onto a 40 acre estate and an actual farm or ranch. And, please don't presume to tell me how to handle this situation. I would certainly not try to tell you how to handle the two-legged predators that you have to deal with in the 'big city.' I would guess that firing a warning shot over a muggers head will deter him, but mountain lions aren't quite the same as muggers. "

Country Dweller with kids wrote on Jun 3, 2007 3:13 PM:

" to Kent...First of all, I don't know what country person has time to sit around watching Jerry Springer. We're too busy growing the food that feeds your ignorant mouth. Secondly, let's stick to the facts, no one was wrestling the lion...I'm starting to think you watch too much Jerry Springer. Third...let's take into account that the family that lived on this farm was 80. Now, here's an idea...let's put your idea of "scaring off the cat and seeing if it comes back" into a context that you can understand. You go into your bathroom in suburbia this afternoon as see a poisonous spider. Rather than kill it and be a murderer, why don't you just scare it out of the bathroom as see if it comes back. Maybe the next person in your family to encounter it might be your 4 year old son. Hmmm...now you're thinking this might not be such a great theory... How is this so different from scaring off a predator from an 80 year old woman's yard and "hoping" it doesn't come back. GET REAL! "

Kent wrote on Jun 3, 2007 12:45 PM:

" I could not agree with Tris more. It is what it is, "two extremely rare mountain lions gunned down by rednecks." Now perhpas they can take a break from watching Jerry Springer re-runs and boast about what they did. A close shot, or a shot in the air would have probably sent it running which would have been the right thing to do. Then, if the animal kept reappearing, or became a nuissance, you could deal with it. Everybody wants to be a macho man with a big story to tell. "It had me pinned down and I was fighting for my life." They are less manly now than before they shot the cat. "

Country Dweller with Kids wrote on Jun 3, 2007 11:38 AM:

" To Mouth from the South...Well Said! I totally agree with you! "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 3, 2007 9:55 AM:

" to from the North; Since I was born into a farm family over sixty years ago, guess I really do like living in the country. And when I was born, there weren't any mountain lions around to speak of. Maybe in the Badlands but never on the plains areas. But let me make one thing very clear. I do not, nor have I ever, advocated slaughtering these magnificent animals. I do not, however, want them in my backyard or close to my livestock. If this does occur, will, if necessary shoot to scare and if that doesn't happen, will shoot to kill. I cannot afford to lose a $1300.00 cow or a $600.00 calf to a hungry mountain lion when there are plenty of deer around. Nor do I want to be mauled when I am out doing my normal daily work. We treat all wildlife with respect and enjoy seeing it at a distance. Which is as it should be. It is my understanding that a normal mountain lion is quite elusive and is hard to spot. If one is seen close to buildings or people, there may well be something wrong with the animal. Most should have a healthy fear of civilization. When they don't, then there is a potential problem. And I am sorry if this offends you, but I would rather have a dead mountain lion than a dead person. "

Is it just me? wrote on Jun 3, 2007 7:36 AM:

" I'm no detective but it looks like "From the North", "Digger", "WILD Cats", SDE, and "Puma" are all the same person, attempting to profess the same anti-human pro-cat rhetoric. Such unique spelling as "attact" pretty much gives it away. "

From the North wrote on Jun 3, 2007 4:38 AM:

" To Mouth from the South - if you don't like risks of living in the country then move to town. I live in the country and I love the animals that pass on my land. Living is a chance of it's self. When going to town the risk are different but they are higher risks. I would rather get atted by a mountain lion than a thief, robber, motorist, rapist and the list goes on. Animals are only trying to survive. We need these animals on our country. We need to start appreciating these aminals God has given to us instead of slottering them. "

Digger wrote on Jun 3, 2007 4:33 AM:

" Is we shot every person that attacted others with threatings and demeaning comments we would, we would have a lot less people on the streets. Sounds like a good season. When does this season open? Can we shot all year long? Is there a limit? I love the animals God has given us and we should all protect them sinmce we have a few out there killing them as they walk by. "

WILD Cats wrote on Jun 3, 2007 4:28 AM:

" Did the mpountain try to attact Jerry's parents? NO!!!!! Then why should a mountain lion that was in the area be killed because it might attact someone? If we all lived life on "what if's" then we would all have a lot of issues. "

SDE wrote on Jun 3, 2007 4:25 AM:

" How many of these cats are shot each year and never reported? When these cats are shot and reported - how many people are lying about the facts to protect themselves and from going to jail? We need to have a law and all humanes living in ND should follow the law even if they live on a reservation. This is ND and the ND laws should be enforsed. "

Puma wrote on Jun 3, 2007 4:17 AM:

" We have a mountain lion in our area and I am proud to have the cat there. If by chance this cat would ever attact one of my neighbors, family or myself, I would be devistated but I couldn't blame the cat for trying to live and to survie. We choose to move into the area in which cats probably lived so we took the chance to having an encounter with them. We made the choice and took the chance and we would never blame the cat. I have a better chance getting hit by a veicle in Bismarck than ever getting attacted by a nountain lion. Have you seen the dangous driver in Bismarck? Makybe we should shoot them so they don't kill anyone. These are less cats than stupid people. "

For the Cats wrote on Jun 3, 2007 4:07 AM:

" KILL THE CATS!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!! What have these cats done to us? They are trying to survie. We moved into their terrority and they pay the price with their lives. This is not fair to these beautifult creatures of GOD? SAVE THE CATS................... "

Grassy Knoll Residents wrote on Jun 2, 2007 11:05 PM:

" First of all I would like to thank Mr. Walter Deville for shooting the mountain lion that was practically in our back yard. I would do the same for any other persons whose life or lives that would be at stake. I have grandchildren who play outside when the weather permits, they are consently supervised because of these mountain lion sightings. Also living in a rural area when someone is injured, it takes a long time for help to arrive, even with all the new technology! So its better to be safe than sorry!!!! "

kev wrote on Jun 2, 2007 5:46 PM:

" to DCJ, re-read my first post. your example is why we need to give the elderly and kids guns but i'm just a poor city boy with and education what do i know. i haven't been to the country in like 2 days. "

Mouth from the South wrote on Jun 2, 2007 1:40 PM:

" Here we go again, all you city folks telling us who live out here in the country, how to handle the wildlife. Hey, you can't even handle the deer in the city limits, whay gives you the authority to give any advice on Mountain Lions? The only people, in my opinion, that are over-reacting are those that live in towns. Until you have to deal with a lion or other potentially dangerous wildlife on a personal basis, would think about keeping the mouth shut. I would rather err on the side of safety and don't ever want to have to read about a child or elderly person getting killed or mauled here in ND because of a Mountain lion attack. No matter what some people would like to believe, mountain lions do, on occasion, attack people. And yes, if a dog menaces my family, my livestock or myself, it is in danger of getting shot. "

DCJ wrote on Jun 2, 2007 12:14 PM:

" Hey Kev, try this experiment. Take an elderly lady, put her on her hands and knees picking weeds, or perhaps a two year old child in your yard, preferably someone of your own family, Now take eighteen steps away and place a two year old mountain lion who wouldn't even run away from two barking dogs. Stand back and decide what you would do. Don't judge until YOU are in that position. I know what I would do. Maybe you city folk could learn a thing or two yet. "

Hiker wrote on Jun 2, 2007 11:37 AM:

" And something to think about: Dogs bite and kill many more people each year than mountain lions. How would people react if we shot every dog that seemed menacing? I'm not saying I wouldn't have shot one of the lions in the same situation; but I wasn't there so I don't really know the whole story. However, people in general do tend to way overestimate the actual danger to them from a particular risk whether it's flying, wild animal attack, whatever (much research done on this); perhaps it's just human nature. "

to kev wrote on Jun 2, 2007 10:59 AM:

" I guess you city folk don't have english class either, so for all the smart country folks, I'll tanslate the ebonics..."I guess you country folk our (ARE) smarter than us city folk...like your (YOU'RE) more likely...guess that stuff don't(DOESN'T) matter...all them (those) wide open spaces...my hats of (OFF) two (HE MUST HAVE 2 HATS, I'M NOT SURE WHY HE SAYS NUMBER 2) you boys. "

kev wrote on Jun 1, 2007 6:34 PM:

" i guess you country folk our smarter than us city folk. i only know about city stuff like your more likely to die from a lightening strike than a mountain lion attack but i guess that stuff don't matter to you country folk with all them wide open spaces you have to hide from lightening stikes and all the people you saved from dangerous critters. my hats of two you boys. "

DC gal wrote on Jun 1, 2007 4:18 PM:

" Jerry was just protecting his parents, who by the way are in their 80's. He was well within his rights and did nothing wrong. "

kev... wrote on Jun 1, 2007 1:55 PM:

" a toddler, with a gun? I started shooting when I was about 7. Off and on target practicing. There is no reason a 'child out of the womb' needs a gun. Lets be more realistic here. Maybe then there wouldn't be so many off- the- wall responses. Thank you. "

disgusted wrote on Jun 1, 2007 1:52 PM:

" I am a hunter, but I do not believe in hunting these animals like they are allowing. In a few years, we will see them on the endangered list, .ike everything else they don't allow nature to take its course with. I believe in hunting to eat the animal, NOT just for sport. So, unless someone is eating the meat for survival, I don't see the point. The one close to the farm is understandable. That is defense, just like when a racoon or a skunk comes too close to your chickens or farm. Or other 'prey' animals. I don't support our states view on hunting these beautiful creatures. "

farm boy wrote on Jun 1, 2007 1:42 PM:

" I will never understand the logic of some people who would put an animal before people. Maybe one day all the lions will be eliminated and then when the deer population becomes to large, the government can step in and use the meat to feed the kids in school. Remember the 3 Ss. "

to punker... wrote on Jun 1, 2007 1:36 PM:

" you're thinking these things slumbered over the winter? Yeah right. I live in central ND. I spotted a full grown one by the lonetree preserve near Anamoose in late November. One was spotted 3 miles from my farmyard in February. One was trapped near Harvey in March, in a machine shed, under a combine. These things don't sleep! "

to kev wrote on Jun 1, 2007 1:33 PM:

" I just put my 4 yr old in hunter's safety. He goes hunting with his BB gun all of the time with my husband. What is wrong with that? We live in America, the land of the free, not Ignoramus, the land of the idiots scared of falling meteors. You have no say in this unless you live in a country setting in a state that is suddenly crawling with mountain lions where we haven't hardly seen any in the last 40 years. Get real. "

to Linda in Seattle wrote on Jun 1, 2007 12:43 PM:

" stay in seattle and keep your opinions there, too. unless you have a mountain lion in your yard, you do not know squat. "

SK wrote on Jun 1, 2007 12:24 PM:

" The mountain lions were here first so if you are too scared to live on a farm, come to the saftey of the cities where your only hunted by other people. Do you people who are ignorant when it comes to ecology know what happens when you take the preditors out of an ecosystem? all the prey over populate or other preditors take over. Why do you think there are SOOO many deer now. Then you complain there are too many of those when your relative does is a crash with one. another prey animal that over pops. is mice. Then you complain they get into your grain. Guess what else then rattlesnakes come to hunt the new mice in your yard and guess what kills more people lions or snakes. Well the answer is snakes!!! "

Linda from Seattle wrote on Jun 1, 2007 11:53 AM:

" Wow there we go again, Big game hunters of the great plains of North Dakota. Tiris you said it like it should be said. Some one back there please get these rednecks some educational books to read. "

Punker wrote on Jun 1, 2007 11:24 AM:

" From their wintery slumber, the beasts return... "

kev wrote on Jun 1, 2007 11:01 AM:

" I don't understand why country folk are so worried, this is a prime example why you give your kids guns as soon as they come out of the womb. We need to educate our toddlers on how to use a firearm when a mountain lion attacks, since these beasts are about as deadly as a meteor falling on your head and everyone knows how big of pests meteors are. Just think how many children would be safer if they where packing heat. "

A mother with Children in Mandaree wrote on Jun 1, 2007 9:40 AM:

" I think Mr. DeVille was right to kill the aminal season or no season the children of Mandaree play outside from morning to night. Just week before when A mountain was kill a dog just three miles out of Mandaree. Their was no fish and game to come help when they were called the owner of the dog waited all evening and no show that was in yard of a elderly man. Mr DeVille paid a small price(citation) for what could be a child's or elderly person life. Thank you Mr Deville "

Country Dweller with kids wrote on Jun 1, 2007 9:31 AM:

" Oops..I should have been commending Jerry Stomstad in my earlier post...Hats off to you! "

In reality wrote on Jun 1, 2007 9:29 AM:

" Obviously, we don't want mountain lions in our back yards, but if you take the number of mountains lions in the country, their rate of attack on human beings is pretty low. It's not like humans are their number one food source. However, because we have been fortunate for many years to not have to deal with predatory animals, people are over reacting about these cats and are dead set that these animals are going to hunt down their loved ones. What about those that have come in contact with a mountain lion and the lion ran away? "

Divide County Resident wrote on Jun 1, 2007 9:18 AM:

" Commends to Jerry for taking care of 1 more of these dangerous creatures lurking in our County. I wonder if any of these people commenting would really enjoy looking out their window to see a mountain lion in their back yard and not feel at all threatened. If this lion killed a cat, it probably wouldn't hesitate to kill a child or adult....but oh yeah, we're the real predators not the lion. Good job Jerry. "

Country Dweller with Kids wrote on Jun 1, 2007 8:51 AM:

" To Tiris - How can you call the guy from Alkabo a redneck? I would say he was a skilled hunter, protecting his mother's life. If this big cat killed her farmcat, I'm sure it wouldn't have turned down killing a woman for a meal. Darrel Kleyer - You should be proud of yourself for protecting your mother and for having the gumption to walk through those tree rows and hunt down this predator. Hats off to you! "

Country Dweller with Kids wrote on Jun 1, 2007 8:49 AM:

" Title of Artice should read...Farmwoman held hostage in her home by Stalking Predator... "

Country Dweller with Kids wrote on Jun 1, 2007 8:44 AM:

" Open Up Mountain Lion Season to Unlimited Cat Takes and Year Round Hunting! This needs to be done as soon as possible. I do not believe that all of the mountain lions that are mysteriously cropping up around ND. Where are they coming from? Many of them have gps tracking devices...hmmm...were they born with those? Sounds to me like perhaps game & fish is bringing them in and planting them! Are you noticing the ongoing problem with them being in farm yards and coming near and into towns? I live out on a farm and have 2 small children. The Alkabo lion would have killed a child had one been outisde instead of that cat. This scares me to no end. I go outside with my kids, but once in a while allow my 5 year old to go out and play on the swingset in the yard by himself for 10 minutes at a time. It's 25 feet from the house and near a tree row. That will no longer be happening. Do I need to pack a pistol to even go out in my own yard? I'm starting to wonder. "

Yeah! wrote on Jun 1, 2007 8:24 AM:

" In time, hopefully these lions will consume all the stray cats in the plains states. Worthless, annoying stray cats. "

Tiris wrote on Jun 1, 2007 7:00 AM:

" Title of the Article should read: Two extremely rare mountain lions gunned down by rednecks "

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