Mt. Lion Expert To Speak At Workshop On 2/21 In Idaho Falls

IDAHO FALLS - Mountain lion, cougar, catamount, puma, & panther. Lots of different names for the same critter. Just as there are many names for the largest feline in our forests, so too are there many ideas about how mountain lions in Eastern Idaho should be managed. To help sportsmen and the general public develop a better understanding of mountain lion population dynamics, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game has invited one of the leading researchers on mountain lions to present a free workshop to the public on Saturday, February 21. The workshop will begin at 1:00 PM and be held at the Idaho Falls IDFG Offices located at 4279 Commerce Circle in the St. Leon Business Park. According to Regional Wildlife Manager Daryl Meints, "Dr. Chuck Anderson, research biologist for the Arizona Department of Game & Fish, is one of the leading professionals in the intermountain West when it comes to mountain lions." According to Meints, "We invited him because his PhD addresses the big questions we are asking now in Eastern Idaho about mountain lion populations and management." Previous to earning his doctorate at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Anderson was in charge of mountain lion management for the Wyoming Dept of Game & Fish. While the workshop is being hosted in Idaho Falls, it will address mountain lion populations across the southeastern portion of the Gem State. "We'll be talking about lion management ranging from Idaho Falls to Pocatello, American Falls, Sun Valley, and Salmon!" said Meints. In order to prepare for the workshop, Anderson has been given harvest data collected in the Eastern Idaho. Anderson and IDFG staff will be going over the mountain lion data at the workshop and discussing with the public the various management options available. IDFG has been directed by the Idaho Fish & Game Commission to come up with a mountain lion management strategy that will encompass all the concerns of the various segment of Idaho's hunting community. Individuals with disabilities may request assistance with accommodations by contacting Daryl Meints at the Idaho Department of Fish & Game at 525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529(TDD). Questions about the workshop can be directed to Meints by calling 208-525-7290 or by E-mail at dmeints@idfg.state.id.us.