We are conducting surveys, monitoring, and research on cougars (puma, mountain lion) on the Ladder Ranch in south-central New Mexico. Here, cougars are of particular interest given their effects on state-endangered desert bighorn sheep and other valuable big game. These projects are also resources for training and education, most notably through the Cougar Field Workshop.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007


Obtaining a photograph of a wild cougar is a relatively rare event. I was considerably surprised to find a second photo of a cougar the same day. This photo was taken on the 8th at an artificial water catchment about 3 miles south of where the photo was taken on the 9th. This is almost certainly the same individual. This photo reveals that the individual is severly underweight and is likely either, old, ill, or injured. Again, a thorough search of the area produced only a faint track. The remote cameras are proving to be an extremely valuable monitoring tool. Recently, the Portland Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers generously donated an additional camera to this project. THANKS!

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