Nearly three months after a tragic mountain lion attack in Northern California, a family member affected by the incident is speaking out about the need for change.
In March, Taylen Brooks, 21, lost his life, and his brother Wyatt Brooks, 18, was severely injured while they were hunting for antler sheds.
Malcolm Brooks, their uncle, believes this incident is just the beginning if things don’t change. He emphasized that his nephews were experienced outdoorsmen who knew how to handle encounters with mountain lions.
During the attack, Wyatt was attacked first, and Taylen bravely tried to defend him. Despite Wyatt’s efforts to call for help, Taylen was dragged away by the mountain lion.
Malcolm Brooks mentioned that this was the first documented case in the United States of two adult-sized men being directly confronted by a mountain lion.
After missing a call from his mother, who confirmed the attack via text message, Malcolm was in disbelief. He has since been researching mountain lions extensively, particularly focusing on Proposition 117.
Proposition 117, passed in 1990, protects mountain lions and prohibits harming them except in certain circumstances. However, Brooks highlighted an issue with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s three-strike policy, which requires multiple incidents before a lethal permit is issued.
Brooks emphasized that the goal is not to eradicate mountain lions but to make them less comfortable around humans. He suggested issuing pursuit permits for lion hounds to put pressure on the mountain lion population.
Despite the tragedy, Brooks mentioned that Wyatt is recovering remarkably well externally, though he still has internal injuries.