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.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Last Friday, April 11th, I checked out the last location (point #161) we had received from Ladder Female 1 (LF-1). The spot was along a prominent game trail at the very base of some cliffs overlooking Animas Creek. About 10m down the trail from the GPS point I found her tracks headed south along the trail. The trail was well traveled, provided a good view of the valley, had several shady spots for day bedding, and there was evidence of mule deer activity on game trails just below this one in elevation. It might be a commonly traveled path for this puma as well as others in the area, and a good place to check for puma sign in the future.

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