On Thursday, February 26th, Lassen Land and Trails Trust will present an informative panel discussion regarding large predators such as mountain lions and what we can do to co-exist with them here on the edge of the wilderness.
“Large predators, such as mountain lions, are part of a healthy ecosystem,” explains the group’s handout material. “Research tells us that the diversity of other plants and animals will decline when large predators are not part of the ecosystem.”
The panel discussion will be held from 7:00 – 9:00p.m. at the historic Susanville railroad depot, 601 Richmond Road.
Featured speakers on the panel will be local rancher Jack Hanson, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Brian Ehler, and Mountain Lion Foundation representative, Melissa Brown.
According to event organizers the objective of the discussion is to provide a forum for learning about this animal and co-existing with them in this region where the Great Basin and its high desert and the Sierra Nevada and Cascade alpine forests meet. A question and answer session will follow the presentations.
“Our hope is that this forum will help each of us come to a better understanding of these animals and the interface we have in our communities with them,” said Suzanne McDonald, Discover Lassen coordinator.
Interestingly, the mountain lion holds the Guinness record for the animal with the greatest number of names according to Wikipedia. It has over 40 names in English alone, including cougar, puma, panther, and catamount.
The sheer number and diversity of names seems to reflect our fascination with this animal and finding ways to live together which allows for them to live here and for us to continue to enjoy our region’s abundant natural and recreational resources both for our families and to sustain our regional economy.