Public hearings are set for people to share their thoughts on bobcat hunting and trapping in Indiana.

The first one is at 5:30 p.m. March 14 in Lakeview Room 3333 at Spring Mill Inn at Spring Mill State Park, 3333 E. State Road 60, Mitchell.

Another hearing will be at 5:30 p.m. March 22 in the pavilion at Mounds State Park, 4306 Mounds Road, Anderson.

A rule is being proposed from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to allow for a bobcat hunting/trapping season for the first time in more than 50 years.

To see the official rule proposal, visit in.gov/nrc/files/lsa17436_proposed.pdf.

According to the DNR, there have been no verified accounts of pets being injured by bobcats, and livestock predation is rare. DNR also said it does not have adequate scientific information or population data to justify a hunting/trapping season on bobcats.

A Natural Resources Commission meeting is set for 10 a.m. May 15 at The Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park, 6002 N. Post Road, Indianapolis. This will be the final opportunity to be heard on the matter before the NRC makes its decision.

Information: humanesociety.org/inbobcats