North Dakota lowers mountain lion quota for first time

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota wildlife officials are lowering the number of mountain lions that can be killed by hunters for the first time since seasons began about a decade ago. The Game and Fish Department is lowering the limit this year from 21 lions to 15 due to recent research indicating the cougar population in the state is trending downward. Furbearer biologist Stephanie Tucker says that's due in large part to the prowess of hunters, particularly those with hounds. The size of the state's lion population still isn't known, though, and some ranchers wish the quota would be left alone. North Dakota Stockmen's Association Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson says the group that represents about 3,000 ranchers asked that the quota stay the same, to better protect livestock and farm families.