(Bozeman) – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists and experienced houndsmen will be conducting field work this winter in the Gallatin Range south of Bozeman to help estimate the number and density of mountain lions in the area.
The research is scheduled to begin in early December and last through mid-April as part of a statewide effort to monitor and manage Montana’s lion populations.
To collect data, FWP biologists and local houndsmen will use trained dogs to track and tree mountain lions. They’ll use darts to capture small tissue samples to submit for genetic analysis. This will be combined with genetic samples from hunter-harvested lions to help biologists estimate lion numbers. Lions won’t be sedated, collared or tagged during this survey effort.
