Nebraska officials plan to discuss a possible mountain lion hunting season after a growth in the animal's population.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission heard from staff Friday about the state's resident mountain lion population.

The population in the Pine Ridge of northwest Nebraska has grown slightly, from 19 in 2010 to 22 in 2012. An official says that's large enough for a limited harvest.

The newspaper reports the commission will meet in May to consider regulations governing a cougar season.

Officials identified a female mountain lion in the Niobrara River Valley in north-central Nebraska during its population study. But it's unclear if the lion is a resident or was passing through the area.