Legislature Defeats Common Sense Conservation Bill
Walking through the woods near their home last year, two young brothers never imagined they would be the victims of a violent mountain lion attack. That’s exactly what happened, however, and it cost Taylen Brooks his life. This tragic incident was the most visible and recent example of a California mountain lion population that is now clearly out of control.
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, of El Dorado County where the attack occurred, stepped up to introduce SB 818 earlier this year. The bill proposes a pilot program designed to “non-lethally haze” mountain lions that have been deemed to be a threat to public safety, livestock or pets. In short, a common sense approach to protecting people and animals without killing even a single mountain lion.
CRPA Legislative Director Rick Travis stopped in to chat with CRPA TV after the hearing today, which included the emotional testimony of Wyatt Brooks, Taylen’s brother. Unfortunately, the bill was unable to garner the support needed to pass from the sparsely attended committee. Watch now to get Rick’s perspective.
If you read these emails regularly, you know what an uphill battle Sacramento can be for 2A and conservation issues. Even as they tout public safety as their primary focus, so few lawmakers understand how their actions can actually endanger the public.