The Garnet Range Mountain Lion Study:
Characteristics of a Hunted Population in West-Central Montana

Large carnivores pose a particular challenge in wildlife management. Their importance in ecosystem function is increasingly well documented, while at the same time their potential for conflict with humans is high, resulting in often divergent public opinion and management objectives. Carnivores are widely hunted for recreation, population control, and to reduce conflict, both direct and indirect with humans. In Montana and western North America, mountain lion populations increased and expanded their range during the 1990s. This resulted in more interactions between lions and humans and the general public became more aware of mountain lion presence. Public acceptance of mountain lions was found to vary with lion population growth, and perceived risk.