SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - An increase in the number of encounters between people and mountain lions is prompting state officials to consider giving game wardens more options besides shooting the animals.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports a new policy was proposed Friday that would give wardens more discretion to use non-lethal methods in handling the encounters.

The draft policy by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife would also establish a team of experts from around the state for wardens to consult with in dealing with mountain lions.

The proposed new policy comes after several encounters last year, including one incident in December that outraged residents of Half Moon Bay when rangers shot and killed two mountain lion cubs found under a deck of a home.

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