These big cats were supposed to be protected here.

This land was set aside to protect mountain lions. But some local cattle ranchers want to claim it for their own — and kill lions that threaten their profits. Sign Now Dear friends, Cattle ranchers outside San Francisco want to kill mountain lions on protected public lands. We're standing up for the big cats and urging the local officials in charge to deny this unreasonable and cruel requests. Will you join us? The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) was created nearly 50 years ago to protect all forms of life and conserve open spaces. For extremely low rates, cattle ranchers can graze their livestock on the land. But with this cheap access comes the responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of the local wild animals this land was set aside to save. That includes mountain lions. The ranchers see mountain lions as a threat to their profits. In rare instances, mountain lions have preyed upon their cattle. But in the 22 times predators have killed livestock in the last six years, rancher, by right, have been paid fair market value for their loss. These minor incidents don't warrant upending the entire purpose of the open space preserve. Midpen was created as a wildlife sanctuary. Cattle ranchers should be grateful they're allowed to use our public lands at all. Sign the petition to tell Midpen to reject cattle ranchers' plans to gun down mountain lions on lands dedicated to their safety. Thank you,   Emily V. The Care2 Petitions Team P.S. We must stand up for the mountain lions caught in these ranchers' crosshairs. Sign the petition.