LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Wildlife advocates want Nevada to change regulations on trapping to give better protection for mountain lions — the state’s apex predator.
A petition submitted Tuesday to the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners seeks a major change to requirements to check traps, shortening the period to 24 hours. That’s far below current requirements that mandate a 96-hour check.
“Nevada’s 96-hour trap check window is the longest and cruelest in the American West. It’s no wonder that mountain lions lose digits, limbs, and lives in these unchecked devices,” Chris Smith, wildlife program director for WildEarth Guardians, said in a news release. “The commissioners are charged with protecting wildlife. Department data clearly shows that they are failing to protect mountain lions.”