GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — State wildlife officials are moving forward with a predator control plan targeting mountain lions and bears in western Colorado despite a lawsuit attempting to stop the effort.
The Post Independent reports Mike Porras with Colorado Parks and Wildlife says the goal is to remove five to 10 mountain lions and 10 to 20 bears in the Piceance Basin. The program kicked off Monday and will run through June.
The agency is removing lions and bears on the Roan Plateau to help improve mule deer populations. The plateau towers over the Colorado River 35 miles north of Grand Junction.
The conservation group WildEarth Guardians sued to halt the predator control efforts earlier this year.
The group claims the state's plans "are not grounded in sound science."
Enjoy this content? Follow Denver7 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and download the Denver7 app on iOS and Android devices for continual access to breaking news, weather and sports.