In a historic decision, **Santa Cruz [bans hunting of pumas](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/tras-50-anos-neuquen-prohibe-la-caza-deportiva-del-puma/)** and foxes with the aim of protecting the local fauna.
The measure excludes these species from the **list of animals allowed** for **sport hunting** during the season.
### Santa Cruz bans hunting of pumas and foxes: what is the reason?
The measure includes pumas, gray foxes, and red foxes throughout the provincial territory, according to a resolution issued by the **Provincial Agrarian Council** (**CAP**).
The provincial director of protected areas of the CAP, **Marisol Espino**, emphasized that this change represents a historic milestone for the province.
“This year, decisions **have been based on scientific evidence**,” Espino stated. In this sense, she highlighted the importance of focusing on the **conservation of local fauna**.
Additionally, provincial law 3367 emphasizes the relevance of **evaluating, protecting, and sustainably managing** the species of wild fauna that inhabit the province, whether native or introduced.
This legislation was approved in May 2024 and sparked controversy at the time, as it initially allowed the **[hunting of one puma, one gray fox, and one red fox per week](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/polemica-por-habilitacion-de-la-caza-deportiva-de-pumas-zorros-y-guanacos/)**.
Now, with this new regulation, the aim is to ensure the protection of all native fauna, as well as species that may be introduced from other places.
The law pays special attention to species that were under human control and that may **return to the wild**, preserving their well-being.
### Hunting of native species
Despite this prohibition, regulations have been established regarding the species authorized for hunting during the period from **April 1 to August 31, 2025**.
During this year, only the hunting of a native species, the **guanaco**, will be allowed, with a limit of up to **two specimens per day**.
Likewise, the hunting of **exotic invasive species such as the American mink, European hare, European rabbit, and wild boar** is also allowed, without limits.
### The case of Neuquén
After 50 years, in 2025 **Neuquén also banned sport hunting** of the puma.
The Ministry of Tourism of the province repealed articles 51 to 55 of the Major Hunting Regulations, which enabled the activity.
The regulations established a hunting season **between June and September**. It has been suspended since April of this year.
“[It’s outrageous. As soon as I found out, I had it repealed](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/tras-50-anos-neuquen-prohibe-la-caza-deportiva-del-puma),” he added. Thus, the Ministry of Tourism **nullified articles 51 to 55 that enabled the major puma hunting season**, from June 1 to September 30, which established the conditions for the development of the activity.
