Revised wildlife predator statute takes effect

A revised statute allowing Nebraska landowners to kill damage-causing wildlife predators took effect Sept. 2.

Predators include 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 that they owned or control.

No permit from the Game and Parks Commission is required.

A landowner, tenant or agent of either may kill a mountain lion, also.

Prior notice or permission from Game and Parks is not required if landowners or tenants encounter a cougar in the process of stalking, killing or consuming livestock on the property. The person is responsible for immediately notifying NGPC and arranging a transfer of the animal to the commission.

The predator legislation was part of LB 565, an omnibus bill passed in the final days of the Nebraska Legislature’s most recent session, which adjourned June 1.