Indiana wildlife officials will hold a public hearing Thursday on a proposal to increase the state’s bobcat hunting and trapping quota.

The Department of Natural Resources is proposing a quota of 400 bobcats, up from 250 last season. The proposal would also allow hunting in addition to trapping.

Opponents, including Humane World for Animals, argue the higher limit could threaten the state’s bobcat population and have raised concerns about trapping methods.

The D-N-R says more than 95-percent of the roughly 1,100 comments received during an earlier public comment period opposed the proposed rule.

Thursday’s hearing begins at 2 p.m. in Indianapolis, with a virtual option also available. It will be the final public hearing before the Natural Resources Commission votes on the proposal.