GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Colorado wildlife officials have rejected a citizen petition to outlaw the trapping and trophy hunting of bobcats.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission said there is a lack of scientific evidence that harvesting bobcats at current levels is harmful to the species.

Records show licensed hunters and trappers in Colorado killed 1,978 bobcats last year. Bobcats are killed both as hunting trophies and for their pelts.