LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Game and Parks commissioners will again consider a staff recommendation to create a mountain lion hunting season.

The topic is on the commission’s agenda when it meets Friday in Lincoln. In May, the commissioners rejected creation of a mountain lion hunting season and directed wildlife staff to bring new recommendations to the July 26 meeting.

Officials say mountain lions all but vanished from Nebraska by 1890. The cats have been making a comeback in Nebraska’s northwest corner and have traveled as far east in the state as Omaha. The commission estimates the Pine Ridge area has a population of 22 animals.

The Legislature approved a bill last year allowing for a mountain lion hunting season at the discretion of Game and Parks officials.