Big cat controversy

California Fish and Game Commission President Daniel Richards has sparked outrage among conservationists and legislators by shooting a mountain lion and posing for a picture with the dead cat in his arms.

While hunting mountain lions is illegal in California, Richards (pictured) legally made the kill on a ranch in Idaho following a guided hunt in which hounds forced the big cat into a tree, allowing Richards to make the shot, according to SFGate.com. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Sierra Club, the Humane Society of the United States and about 40 legislators have called for Richards’ resignation as leader of the commission, which sets policies and regulations for the Department of Fish and Game.

Richards has been less than apologetic, saying he dined on mountain-lion meat the night of the hunt and broke no laws in the process.