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.

Friday, February 29, 2008

We were successful in treeing some cougars, thanks to Mike and his dogs, but we weren't successful in collaring any cougars. The three we had seen on the rocks, and the two that the dogs eventually treed, were all cubs and too small to carry our GPS collars. Above is a 40 to 50 pound male. Although we didn't get out any collars on this particular excursion it was still an invaluable experience to watch Mike work with the mules and hounds and to watch the behavior of tracking dogs and cougars.

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