Angler takes over wildlife post

Angler Mike Pergola will replace trapper Tracy Truman on the Clark County Wildlife Advisory Board.

The County Commission unanimously approved Pergola's appointment Tuesday.

Pergola was endorsed by the Nevada Voters for Animals and the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society. Both groups blasted Truman, a 40-year trapper, who stepped down from his post last month after he was criticized by some commissioners for posting a video of his dog barking and lunging at a trapped bobcat.

In an email to board members, Truman said he was leaving the seat because he had too many personal obligations.

The video, shot in December in the Spring Mountains, shows a bobcat trapped by one leg. Truman's hand appears in the video holding part of a chain attached to the trap while his dog barks at the bobcat, which takes a few swipes at the dog. Truman is heard encouraging the dog, saying, "Get him, boy," as he pulls the chain. The animals never make contact in the minute-long video.

Truman has said it was an educational tool meant to show other trappers that a dog doesn't have to make contact with a trapped animal. Animal rights activists re-posted the video without Truman's permission. It was taken down after Truman complained of copyright infringement.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife investigated and turned the results over to the Clark County district attorney's office. District Attorney Steve Wolfson declined to press charges against Truman.

Contact reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@review
journal.com or 702-455-4519.