In Southwest Colorado, development involves scattered construction in areas that still retain their rural character. People who move into such areas encounter the creatures already there, and often they can coexist. Prairie dogs and skunks are an annoyance, but they still exist in abundance and the loss of habitat for a few, or the extermination of those that cause problems, does not threaten the entire species. Large carnivores, though, are a different story. Mountain lions and bears are not afforded the benefit of the doubt.
Many residents shoot first and ask questions later.
Multiply that by the number of areas across the Rocky Mountain West. Lion habitat is shrinking. It is restricted to pockets here and there, which means animals face increasing risks from development, from traffic and from diseases introduced by domestic species. The Endangered Species Act, not widely supported by the Bush Administration, will not be enough to save the big cats. It is possible to justify the loss of an individual lion when it threatens humans or livestock.