Is it ‘ballot box biology’ – or do Colorado’s mountain lions really need protection from hunting?

A measure on Colorado’s ballot this November asks voters to choose whether wildcat hunting in the state should be banned.   Supporters of the initiative point to what they say are cruel hunting practices, like using large teams of dogs to chase mountain lions up trees to then be shot and killed. Supporters also say the initiative would eliminate unethical “trophy hunting” – meaning hunting for sport without making use of the meat. Opponents say a hunting ban would cause mountain lion populations to explode in the state – and that could devastate deer and elk herds, or lead to more livestock being killed or maimed.  So how badly do Colorado’s big cats need the protections being proposed here?  Host Erin O’Toole sat down with Denver Post reporter Elise Schmelzer who covers this issue. They discussed the reason this proposal is going before voters, what it might accomplish, and how it might affect Colorado’s mountain lion population.  Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.orgQuestions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: [email protected] what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!Host and Producer: Erin O'TooleProducer: Ariel LaveryExecutive Producer: Brad TurnerTheme music by Robbie ReverbAdditional music by Blue Dot SessionsIn The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.