M O U N T A I N L I O N R E S E A R C H
Several years of data collection and communication with
neighboring states allowed Game and Parks staff to recommend
and hold the Nebraska's first mountain lion season in 2014.
Hunters were successful in the Pine Ridge Unit, harvesting
a total of three lions during the two seasons in January and
February. An additional two lions also were harvested in the
Prairie Unit in October and November.
Research continued throughout the spring and summer
of 2014 in the Pine Ridge and Niobrara Valley. Game and
Parks conducted genetic surveys similar to previous surveys,
but increased its search effort in both areas. The population
estimate for the Pine Ridge was 22 during May/June 2014
and Game and Parks knows there are additional mountain
lions in other areas of the state, including known breeding
populations in the Wildcat Hills and Niobrara Valley. The Pine
Ridge population is part of a larger regional population of several
hundred mountain lions spanning parts of Nebraska, South
Dakota and Wyoming. Populations continually change in size
because of births and
deaths, as well as
animals that enter or
leave the area. Game
and Parks biologists
are continuing to
evaluate population
levels for mountain
lions and share
expanded work with
neighboring states on
a more geographically
comprehensive
management plan.
12 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2014 Annual Report
