P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
www.nps.gov/yose/news

209 372-0529 phone
209 372-0371 fax

October 28, 2003
For Immediate Release

Two Mountain Lions Euthanized in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park wildlife biologists euthanized two mountain lions late last night. The lions displayed threatening behavior and were routinely sighted by visitors and employees alike in the developed part of eastern Yosemite Valley.

The two lions, an adult female and a sub-adult, were trapped and then euthanized by lethal injection.

The lions had been seen, often hunting as a pair, in Curry Village, Yosemite Village, and by the Ahwahnee over the last three weeks. There is a large population of raccoons in this area, drawn to an abundance of human food available, that the lions used as prey. Wildlife biologists began tracking the pair and used aversive conditioning in an effort to keep the animals away from developed areas. These efforts were, however, unsuccessful.

Biologists were concerned that the lions were spending so much time in developed areas of the valley and showed no fear of the people around them. The situation became more serious when one of the lions displayed stalking behavior toward humans.

Park management decided to take action to ensure visitor safety in Yosemite Valley. This area of the valley sees high visitation, including families with children and youth groups. It was determined that immediate action needed be taken after considering all the factors.

National Park Service looked into relocating the lions. However, an adequate relocation distance is at least 200 miles away, with 500 miles be closer to the ideal. This made relocation within the park unrealistic. Additionally, since the lions were unafraid of humans and displayed stalking behavior toward humans, they would be a threat at any location. [This paragraph added on 11/26/03.]

Yosemite National Park is a natural habitat to mountain lions. While the lions were relying on their natural hunting instincts, their increased interest in humans and the possibility that they regarded humans as prey caused serious concern.

-NPS-