LINCOLN — The state’s first mountain lion hunt in five years is headed into overtime.

The hunt was requested by biologists in response to a growing population of the big cats, and complaints about deaths of livestock and threats to humans. It has drawn controversy, as well as another attempt by State Sen. Ernie Chambers to outlaw such hunts. Chambers has been especially critical of the use of dogs in the hunt, saying it is inhumane.

The mountain lion season was closed on Jan. 25 in an area south of U.S. 20 in northwest Nebraska’s Pine Ridge region after a quota of four lions was taken in that area.

But because no mountain lions have been taken in the hunting unit north of U.S. 20 and west of Nebraska Highway 27, an auxiliary season will be held March 15-31. The quota will be four lions, or two females.

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