The trap is placed where the mountain lion left the kill, and it is baited with the remains of the kill. The traps are constructed of 4-foot (120-cm) wide, 4-foot (120-cm) high, 10-foot (3-m) long welded-wire stock panels with 2 x 4-inch (5 x 10-cm) grid.
Large, portable cage traps are used by USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services personnel in California to capture mountain lions that kill pets and livestock in suburban areas and on small rural holdings. Snares set for live capture should be checked daily from a distance. Snares intended to capture lions alive should be placed with the bottom of the loop 14 inches (36 cm) from the ground and a loop diameter of 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm). Kill snares should be placed with the bottom of the loop approximately 16 inches (40 cm) above the ground with a loop diameter of 12 to 16 inches (30 to 41 cm). 7), or set with baits in cubby arrangements (Figs. They should be suspended in lion runways and trails (Fig. Commercially made mountain lion snares are available from Gregerson Manufacturing (see Supplies and Materials). Snares can be set to kill mountain lions or hold them alive for tranquilization. No chemical fumigants are registered for use on lions.įigure 7. Since lions prefer to eat their own kills and fresh untainted meats, an efficient delivery system for toxicants has not been developed. No chemical toxicants are registered for mountain lion control. No chemical repellents are registered for mountain lions. The Electronic Guard, a strobe light/siren device developed by USDA-Wildlife Services, may also deter lions. In areas with high levels of predation, some ranchers have changed from cow-calf to steer operations.īright lights, flashing white lights, blaring music, barking dogs, and changes in the placement of scarecrow objects in livestock depredation areas may temporarily repel mountain lions. Removal of brush and trees within 1/4 mile (0.4 km) of buildings and livestock concentrations may result in reduced predation.Ĭhronic mountain lion predation has led to some ranchers shifting from sheep to cattle production. Mountain lions prefer to hunt and stay where escape cover is close by. Wires should be 10 feet (3 m) high, spaced 4 inches (10 cm) apart, and charged with at least 5,000 volts. Night fencing under lights or in sealed buildings is useful where practical.Įlectric fencing with alternating hot and ground wires can effectively exclude mountain lions. Fencing is practical only for high-value livestock and poultry.
Overhead fencing is also necessary for permanent and predictable protection. Heavy woven-wire fencing at least 10 feet (3 m) high is required to discourage lions. Damage Prevention and Control Methods Exclusion