Revised wildlife predator statute took effect Sept. 2

A revised statute allowing some Nebraska landowners to kill damage-causing wildlife predators became effective Sept. 2.

Predators included in this statute are badger, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, mink, opossum, raccoon, red fox and skunk.

The statute allows a private landowner or tenant to kill a predator preying on livestock or poultry or suspected of causing other damage on land they owned or control. No permit from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is required.

Also, a landowner or tenant, or agent of either, may kill a mountain lion, without prior notice to or permission from Game and Parks, if they encounter a cougar in the process of stalking, killing or consuming livestock on their property. The person is responsible for immediately notifying Game and Parks and arranging a transfer of the animal to the Commission.