Full Breakdown
Investigation Underway for Illegal Killing of Mountain Lion in Colorado
11/24/2025, 8:21:24 PM
Incident Overview
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is currently investigating the illegal killing of a female mountain lion found in Taylor Canyon, near Gunnison City Mountain Park, Colorado. The lion was discovered shot through the chest and subsequently abandoned in bushes close to group campsites. This incident occurred just three days prior to the commencement of the legal mountain lion hunting season in Colorado, raising concerns about poaching activities in the area.
Background on the Mountain Lion
The deceased mountain lion was part of CPW's ongoing mountain lion density study in the Gunnison Basin, which aims to monitor population dynamics and inform hunting regulations. The illegal killing of this animal not only disrupts the study but also poses broader implications for wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
Official Statements & Responses
CPW District Wildlife Manager Codi Prior emphasized the importance of community involvement in the investigation, stating, "We are looking for leads or information anyone might have that could assist us with this investigation." He urged anyone with relevant information to contact CPW directly or utilize the anonymous reporting service, Operation Game Thief, which offers rewards for tips leading to the arrest of poachers.
Criticism of Poaching
The illegal killing of the mountain lion highlights the ongoing issue of poaching in the United States. According to a study by the Boone and Crockett Club, less than 4% of poaching incidents are detected by law enforcement, resulting in an estimated financial loss of $1.4 billion annually due to fines and replacement costs for wildlife. The CEO of the Boone and Crockett Club, Tony A. Schoonen, remarked, "Poaching is not a victimless crime—not only do we lose individual wildlife, we are also losing a valuable public resource with a high cost."
What's Next
CPW is actively seeking information from the public to aid in the investigation. Individuals with knowledge about the incident are encouraged to reach out to CPW District Wildlife Manager Codi Prior at (970) 641-7075 or the CPW Gunnison wildlife office at (970) 641-7060. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Operation Game Thief at (877) 265-6648 or through email.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are looking for leads or information anyone might have that could assist us with this investigation,” — Codi Prior, CPW District Wildlife Manager
- “With this defensible assessment of the Dark Figure, we can clearly describe the conservation cost of poaching and prove that poaching is not a victimless crime-not only do we lose individual wildlife, we are also losing a valuable public resource with a high cost.” — Tony A. Schoonen, CEO of Boone and Crockett Club
The investigation into the illegal killing of the mountain lion serves as a reminder of the critical need for wildlife protection and the role of community vigilance in combating poaching.
