As hunters, we respect wildlife and understand that predators play a vital role in the ecosystem. But when mountain lions lose their natural fear of humans, the balance shifts—putting people, livestock, and even the lions themselves at risk. California Senate Bill 818 (SB 818) proposes a smart, science-based approach to managing these big cats by reinstating their natural wariness of humans and dogs.
Mountain Lions Are Losing Their Fear
For decades, California has taken a hands-off approach to mountain lion management, with strict protections in place since the passage of Proposition 117 in 1990. This well-intentioned law made them a specially protected species, but it also eliminated one of the few tools that kept them naturally wary of humans—pursuit by hounds.
Since then, we’ve seen an increase in lion encounters, attacks, and depredation on livestock. Without the experience of being pursued, many mountain lions no longer recognize humans and dogs as threats. Instead of avoiding us, they now venture into backyards, ranches, and even parks and schoolyards.
This bill brings back an important tool that doesn’t require lethal action—nonlethal hazing by experienced houndsmen.
The “Tree and Free” Approach
SB 818 proposes a five-year pilot program in El Dorado County called “Tree and Free.” This initiative allows permitted houndsmen to track and chase problem lions to reinforce their natural instincts—without harming them. The idea is simple:
- Hounds track and tree mountain lions that have been identified as potential threats.
- Once treed, the lions are left unharmed—but the experience is a powerful deterrent.
- Lions learn to fear humans and dogs again, reducing future conflicts.
This method mirrors what happens in nature. In the wild, mountain lions face pressure from dominant predators like wolves and bears. The “Tree and Free” approach restores that natural learning process without the need for lethal control.
Why Hunters Should Support SB 818
- Keeps Mountain Lions Wild: When lions respect human presence, they stay in their natural habitats instead of moving into populated areas.
- Reduces Conflicts: Ranchers and farmers suffer real losses when lions prey on livestock. Nonlethal hazing reduces these encounters without resorting to depredation permits.
- Improves Public Safety: Mountain lion attacks on people are rare but increasing. Teaching lions to keep their distance can prevent future tragedies.
- Provides Critical Data: The pilot program will gather real-world data on the effectiveness of hazing, shaping future wildlife policies.
Bringing Back a Lost Management Tool
Before Proposition 117, houndsmen played an essential role in predator management. The ability to pursue and tree lions kept them naturally wary of human activity. SB 818 doesn’t reinstate mountain lion hunting—it simply revives a method that worked for generations to maintain a healthy separation between people and predators.
Mountain lions belong in the wild, not in backyards and pastures. SB 818 is a common-sense solution that benefits both people and wildlife—and it’s one that hunters should support.
