We have lived here since 1980 and have been startled and concerned with the decrease in wildlife. After much research and consultation with many experts, we have come down to two things being responsible for this decrease.
   Overgrowth of habitat is hugely responsible; the timber industry has only been allowed to harvest about 20% of the growth for years, and with limited thinning, and lack of prescribed fire, much of our forest areas have become a fire trap that shades out new growth, greatly limiting food for deer and many other animals.
   The second reason has been a lack of sustainable management of our predators. Bears have increased from about 15,000 to 30,000 in this time, and coyotes gobble up almost every living thing. Probably the main culprit, however, is the mountain lion, which has increased from lack of control from approximately 2400 lions in l990, to at least 6000 at present time, with each adult lion consuming about one deer per week, and an adult female with cubs can eat two fawns per day. These statistics are from California Department of Fish and Game estimates.
   This has decimated the deer herd, which is the primary food source of the lions, and in some areas a big food source for bears and coyotes. The herd is down from approximately 2,000,000 in 1990 to less than 450,000 today.
   Biologists have informed us that California wildlife cannot come back unless corrective measures are taken. With the deer herd reduced dramatically, the smaller critters are taking a beating as they fill the void as a food source for the mountain lions.  Porcupines are nearing extinction with almost all other wildlife affected; including squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, opossums, turkeys, quail, pheasants, and even birds of prey and other important species now competing for these food sources.
The decrease in wildlife is not readily apparent to most of the states population, because game is quite plentiful in most of our rural subdivisions. Wildlife has been drawn there because of adequate green grass, shrubbery, and protection from predators, which normally shy away from people.
   Big changes need to be made in our wilderness and timber areas, which in many areas are quite devoid of wildlife. You can help make the necessary changes happen before it is too late by contacting our lawmakers to amend proposition 117 to insure sustainable balance of our wildlife.  Please also contact the U.S. Forest Service, and CDF and ask that they allow more thinning, logging, and prescribed fire in our forests to help restore a natural balance.
   Sports organizations can also be of huge help.  All those interested in preserving wildlife in our great state are encouraging to take action now!

Bob Taylor, Chairman

7660 Redhill Way, Browns Valley, Ca. 95918
E-mail liontaylor@succeed.net
Ph, 530 743-0400