A large mountain lion shown in a photo that is turning up in e-mails was not killed near Alda in Hall County despite that claim in the e-mail, according to Sam Wilson, a mammal biologist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Commission employees have received a flood of e-mails and calls about the photo. Different versions of the e-mail claim it has been killed in several different states.

Snopes.com, a rumor-busting Web site, reported the mountain lion was actually killed by a pickup in northern Arizona in late 2007. The photo also shows an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer showing the size of the cat’s paw.

Wilson suggested people see the mountain lion page on the commission’s Web site at www.ngpc.state.ne.us/wildlife/mountainlion.asp for the latest and most accurate information regarding mountain lions in Nebraska.

Reward offered for info on hoop net use: Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $500 for information leading to the conviction of those using a hoop net to catch fish from the Republican River near Orleans.

Conservation Officer Rich Routh said it is unlawful for anyone to possess or use a hoop net in Nebraska except licensed commercial fishermen who can use them in the Missouri River.

If you witness or have knowledge of this or any other game law violation, you are encouraged to call the Crimestoppers toll-free hot line, (800) 742-7627.

Commission stocks trout at Elm Creek: The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission stocked 1,000 10-inch rainbow trout in Elm Creek on Tuesday.

Elm Creek is near Red Cloud in Webster County. There is public access to the creek at Elm Creek Wildlife Management Area, but permission is required to fish other areas of the creek on private land.