Mt. Lion encounters with people have remained at a steady rate since 1988, but encounters with livestock have increased from 8 in 1990 to 40 in 1997.

"The lion population appears to be getting younger because of the state’s aggressive efforts to control conflict. The hunter harvest has jumped from about 50 to 60 animals in the early 1970’s to 720 in 1997. The median age is now 3."

"Younger lions, still learning, are more likely to turn to alternative prey species if they strike out with their staple, which is deer. Deer populations in some areas are declining."

"Jim Williams, a wildlife biologist in Great Falls, said young lions almost always are the ones involved in attacks (on humans)."