10 Things You Can Do To Protect Predators
1. Learn to differentiate the facts from the myths about predators.
2. Share nature and its importance with children.
3. Be aware when recreating in areas where bears and mountain lions live. You can help reduce conflicts by hiking in groups, making noise to avoid surprising wildlife, keeping your distance from wildlife, placing dogs on a leash, and avoiding those areas that are seasonal hot spots for wildlife.
4. Be careful not to attract predators to your neighborhood. Do not feed deer and other small animals. Feed pets inside and bring in food containers at night. Place bird feeders where other animals cannot reach them. Seal compost bins, and be sure animals cannot get into your garbage bins.
5. Report any illegal poaching of wildlife to your local fish and game agency.
6. Encourage your local educators to incorporate lesson plans about the ecological, economic, and social importance of predators and their habitats.
7. Find a local, state, or national organization working to protect predators and their habitats and support them with a commitment of time or resources. Consider joining Predator Conservation Alliance.
8. Get and stay informed. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper, submit written comments, or attend a public hearing to be sure your voice is heard on issues affecting wildlife.
9. Vote for individuals who support meaningful and effective conservation legislation and philosophies.
10. Purchase predator-friendly products produced by ranchers who choose to use non-lethal methods for reducing and avoiding predator interactions.