Which animals can not be pursued by dogs without a permit?

The option stating that mountain lions, bears, and bobcats cannot be pursued by dogs without a permit is correct due to specific wildlife protection regulations in California. These species are considered big game and have stricter laws concerning their hunting and pursuit. Such regulations are designed to conserve populations of these species, which may be threatened or vulnerable due to various factors, including habitat loss and hunting pressure.

Pursuing these animals with dogs can lead to significant stress on the animals and potentially disrupt their breeding and survival. Consequently, permits are required to ensure that such activities are regulated, allowing authorities to monitor and manage hunts effectively to maintain ecological balance and protect wildlife populations.

In contrast, other animals like rabbits and squirrels do not require the same level of protection and can typically be pursued by dogs without needing a special permit, highlighting the importance of protecting more vulnerable wildlife while regulating the hunting of common species. Therefore, the regulations reflect a prioritization of conservation efforts for species that are more threatened or require additional management considerations.