SD legislation introduced

[Emily]

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Mountain lion bill introduced

Associated Press
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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) Some South Dakota legislators want some mountain lions to be categorized as varmints or predators.

A bill introduced Wednesday in the House would allow mountain lions that roam outside the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District to be shot by residents and nonresidents who have the appropriate hunting licenses.

HB1171 would lump those big cats in the same category as other varmints, including coyotes, crows, prairie dogs, badgers, skunks, foxes, porcupines, jackrabbits and raccoons.

Mountain lion kills would have to be promptly reported to the Game, Fish and Parks Department.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-16-08 1201CST