THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FUND • FALL 2011 ISSUE Myth and the Ghost Cat written by: Franz Camenzind, Ph.D. Myth: “…an unproved or false rarely vocal and usually solitary, this phantom-like predator 1 collective belief that is used to justify earned a reputation as America’s most mysterious predator. Even today, this very nature of the cougar seems to be a social institution…” enough to keep the myth alive.

It’s safe to say that myths have been part of Titles such as Ghost of , human history since our ancestors began Spirit of the Rockies and Shadow Cat sitting around open fires making up seem to perpetuate the centuries-old stories to explain the dangers and aura of mystery surrounding the unknowns in the wild world cougar. But in fact, these recent beyond the fire’s light. But why, publications are part of a growing in this age of science, do myths effort to peel away the myth and continue to influence public expose the science behind the opinion and agency decisions? North American cougar. Why our reluctance to trade myths for science? The first extensive field study of was conducted in the Central Nowhere is the frustration greater than Idaho Primitive Area by a team of pho n in the debates regarding our understanding to b else y: Thomas D. Mang researchers lead by Dr. Maurice Hornocker. and management of large, native predators such as His pioneering work conducted four decades ago cougars, grizzly and wolves. described in detail how a stable cougar population occupied its environment, impacted native ungulates and interacted within Early humans likely viewed top predators both as competitors its . for food and as direct threats to their lives. In spite of, or perhaps because of, this tenuous relationship, an argument can be made One of the study’s conclusions was that cougar numbers were that early humans may have been better at accepting large self-limited by intraspecific relationships, manifested through predators as part of their world than we are today. territoriality. In simple terms, these cougars controlled their numbers and did not over-run their environment. Of today’s top , none remains shrouded in myth more than the cougar. Primarily nocturnal, a master at stealth, The study also determined that bighorn sheep numbers remained constant during the four-year period while Myth and the Ghost Cat (continued) populations of and elk actually increased. The researcher Important research is currently being conducted by staff of concluded as well that six key winter ranges were over-browsed the Large Conservation Lab at Washington State and that much of the range was considered overpopulated by University. One recent study found that the of adult deer and elk. This was hard evidence that an uncontrolled male cougars resulted in more young males immigrating into the cougar population was by itself not capable of keeping elk and area. This, in turn, likely leads to increased competition for space deer numbers in check. with some young cougars eventually living closer to humans. Although the original hunting quotas were set to reduce the Fifty percent of the elk and deer killed by cougars were number of depredation complaints, the outcome was a four to considered to be in poor condition. The study determined eight fold increase in complaints. Aggressive hunting of adult that elk and deer populations were limited by the winter food males had a destabilizing effect upon the cougar population supply and that by cougars was inconsequential in with significant unfavorable and unintended consequences. determining elk and deer numbers. The study also concluded that predation by cougars was a powerful force acting to Researchers also examined prey switching by adult female dampen and protract severe prey oscillations and that such cougars as young males immigrated into territories opened predation was considered of great significance in maintenance due to the removal of adult males. In one study it appeared of ecologic stability in a wilderness environment—a strong that adult females with vulnerable moved from areas research-supported statement that large predators play a of abundant white- deer (while the young males remained positive role in ecosystem function. in the abundant white-tail areas) to areas with declining numbers. The resulting increase in mule deer predation What may be the longest running cougar study occurred in by the newly immigrated females accelerated the drop in deer Yellowstone National Park between 1986 and 2006. Half of the numbers and caused the state game management agency study occurred before the reintroduction of wolves to the park, to re-think its cougar hunting programs. These results while in the second half of the study wolves were well established. demonstrated that fewer cougars do not automatically Both top predators shared the and vied for the same prey mean higher deer numbers. species. (The park’s third top predator, the grizzly , was present in substantial numbers throughout the study.) Between We are indeed living in an age of intense resource 1998 and 2005, 74 percent of the 473 known or probable management, but until we better understand the complex cougar kills were elk. Wolves scavenged on 22 percent of cougar role top predators play in ecosystem functions, we should kills and displaced cougars eight of the 10 times that wolves be overly cautious in implementing management plans were known to have visited kills when cougars were present. for these keystone species. In the mean time, science is showing us that leaving large carnivores to their own In addition to the elk, cougars were known to have killed 64 devices may just be the best management plan. mule deer, 12 bighorn sheep, 10 pronghorn, 10 and numerous smaller and . A wise tinkerer, as the saying goes, saves all the pieces. We should add that no responsible From 1999 to 2003, seven cougars were determined to have tinkerer would substitute myth for science. been killed by wolves (six kittens and one adult), while in a If we must manage, if we must tinker, let’s four-year period cougars killed one wolf and were suspected do so with a toolbox overflowing in the death of another. As one of three top predators, cougars with science and not with were limited by both inter- and intraspecific interactions, a caldron of mythology. showing that their fate was determined by a vast array of interconnected environmental factors. Washington Department of Fish and Calls on Indiscriminate Targeting of Cougars During Upcoming Deer Season written by: Gary Koehler, Ph.D. The Washington Depart- during the past decade ment of Fish and Wildlife cougar numbers have has notified deer hunters been stable with densities to take up arms against limited by the cougar’s in- cougars, reminding hunters herent social organization. that “cougars are also This means that cougars fair game anywhere in naturally limit how many the state.” individual live in, share or overlap a specific habitat: This plea is in response to approximately 1.73 adult 3 this summer’s decision by cougars per 100 square the State Legislature to kilometers in Washington. end a “special hound This density holds true for hunt (HB1124)” initi- photo by: Louise Shirley five areas of the state where ated in 2004 (SSB 6118, research was conducted and in a variety of habitat conditions. HB1756, HB2438), which permitted hunters to use hounds to decrease cougar numbers in five counties in northern Wash- Cougars intrinsically limit their densities on the landscape, ington. This plea is similar to actions taken by the Department manifested by territoriality and emigration of dispersal-aged following the 1996 Voter Initiative (I655) that banned the use juveniles from the area in which they were born. The social of hounds for hunting cougars, black bears and . In structure of these solitary carnivores was first made clear 50 response to the 1996 Initiative, the Washington Department of years ago, a behavior as much a part of the cougar’s evolution Fish and Wildlife took the following actions: as their secretive nature, tawny color and long tail. • lowered cougar license fees to $5 This call to arms is not a response to increased cougar com-  • lengthened the season from an average of six weeks plaints registered by the Department—ironically, cougar com- to seven months or more plaint numbers are down statewide from a decade ago. So what • increased the bag limit from one to two cougars is driving the Department’s plea? Likely this is in response to per season a misguided fear that cougar numbers will escalate now that These actions resulted in more than double the amount of hound hunting has been banned by voter initiative killed cougars in the state, from 100 to 300 cats in the first year via the Legislature, along with the ideology that hound alone. This plea for deer hunters to ‘pot’ a cat is in addition to hunting is a “management tool” perceived to be necessary to the quota system allocating harvest tags throughout the state control this elusive . In light of this plea to have deer during the permit-only cougar season beginning in January hunters also target cougars, the Washington Department of and those cougars killed during the general season ‘control’ Fish and Wildlife appears to ignore the very research that they activities executed by the state. helped to sponsor, which showed that cougars establish their Research, sponsored in part by the same department that is populations at well-regulated, low densities- an elemental now calling on the increased pressure on cougars, shows that principle of ecology that top carnivores occur at low densities. FILM PREMIERE: National Geographic’s American Cougar

American Cougar tells a unique that this magnificent cat shad- story of a community of cougars ow-stepped, which means whose skills are illustrated and placing their rear in the tested as they struggle to survive same step as their front paws in the severe landscape of the as they walk or stalk their northern . A prey. I never thought that determined team of researchers, I would be filming cougars lead by houndsman and or a and mom researcher Boone Smith, mount communicating in the middle grueling expeditions in attempts of the night through a series to gain precious scientific data. of chirp-like whistles. At one photo by: Jeff Hogan The story features F51, a young point I wondered if I would crafty female cougar who makes ever film a cougar at all. her way through the winter but is tested as she struggles to “Now, with it all behind me, it’s hard to believe that American bring her unborn to a healthy birth after a cruel winter. Cougar is finally complete. The effort to capture behavioral Our matron, wise F109, carries the key to crucial scientific moving images is done. No more climbing to the top of moun- data, but she’s a ghost and a true master of escape. Attempts to tains on snowshoes for a chance to catch a glimpse of a travel- retrieve her information turn out to be more than anyone ing cougar. No more checking of remote cameras, with fingers bargained for. Merging adventure with breathtaking cinema- crossed, or hoping that our cougar-triggered cameras may have tography, this film allows us an exciting and intimate view into captured footage of an event never captured before on film. the secret life of the Cougar. “The experience of spending a winter in the Gros Ventre Range Jeff Hogan is a wildlife cinematographer who spent the last in pursuit of these great cats has changed my life forever. The winter filming wild cougars in and around the mountains of researchers, trackers and film crew I shared this effort with and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The breathtaking footage he captured learned from will forever receive my utmost respect. And more will be featured in a National Geographic Special called American important than anything, I will walk away from this film with a Cougar, scheduled to premiere on December 11, 2011. better understanding of the Cougar itself, a creature that stalks “Twelve months ago when I started this project, I never knew in the silence of darkness, in complete secrecy, wishing no one that cougars plucked the from their prey before feeding, or understand it at all.” photo by: Thomas D. Mangelsen photo by: Louise Shirley Cougar Research

One of the scientific trends The Cougar Fund is interested in is the Hair samples, however, are monitoring and health of cougar populations using hair collected difficult to obtain from some from bedding sites, tree snags or specially-designed “hair snares” wild felid species, but two that are strategically placed where cougars are known to travel. Once collection methods show promise—hair snares and snow gathered, DNA can be extracted from the hair to better understand tracking. Neither of these methods has been adequately tested each individual cat. Your generous support makes it possible for for their ability to yield hair samples from cougars. In addition, The Cougar Fund to help fund important studies such as this one. few wildlife studies have examined the reliability of genetic data by comparing genotypes from hair or scat samples collected in Hair Collected While the field with genotypes from the same individuals produced Backtracking Cougars Proves from blood or tissue samples, which have much higher concen- Useful as a Noninvasive trations of DNA and therefore lower rates of genotyping errors. Genetic Sampling Technique Yellowstone National Park has shown interest in utilizing the For decades, biologists have methods to occasionally sample the cougar population within 5 struggled with how to moni- the Park, and state agencies have used our backtracking meth- tor the numbers and growth ods, coupled with other non-invasive techniques, to monitor trends of the cougar, population trends. Our long-term research on the effects of concolor and other large carnivore populations. The challenges wolf reintroduction on cougars in Yellowstone National Park, arise from the fact that cougars occur at low densities, maintain initiated by the Hornocker Wildlife Institute in 1998 and over- large home ranges, blend into the landscape and are difficult to seen by Dr. Toni Ruth, provided an opportunity to evaluate directly observe from the ground or the air. Typically, biologists noninvasive genetic sampling methods using a radio-marked have relied on conventional methods for monitoring cougar population. Part way through the study, Dr. Ruth and field populations that involve capture, tagging and radio-collaring. technician Mike Sawaya initiated a three-year study to evalu- However, these methods are time-consuming, expensive, lo- ate the efficacy of noninvasive genetic methods for cougars, gistically challenging and difficult to implement over large areas the results of which were recently published in the Journal of and for an adequate duration to monitor changes in populations. Wildlife Management (Sawaya et al. 2011). The findings will also With technological advances in amplifying DNA from various be a chapter in Sawaya’s dissertation through Montana State biological samples, of scat and hair deposited by University. Our study goals were to: 1) determine which DNA in their daily activities has shown much promise and collection method, hair rub pads or snow tracking, provided is gaining in popularity as a way to monitor a better method for obtaining samples for populations. With this method—known as genetic analysis, 2) evaluate reliability of the noninvasive genetic sampling—biologists genetic data derived from hair samples collected search for scat and hair or attempt to snag in the field, and 3) evaluate the potential of hair on wire or hair pads along established noninvasive genetic sampling for demographic grids and routes within a study area. Once monitoring of cougar populations. the hair or scat samples are collected, DNA can be extracted and used to identify and sex Excerpted from Sawaya, M., T.K. Ruth, S. Creel, J. J. Rotella, individuals, estimate abundance, distribution, H. B. Quigley, S. T. Kalinowski. 2011. “Evaluation of Non- invasive Genetic Sampling Methods for Cougars Using a population growth rates and examine patterns Radio-Collared Population in Yellowstone National Park.” of genetic population structure across large Journal of Wildlife Management 75(3):612–622. landscapes. To find out just what the study discovered, visit The Cougar Fund online at photos by: Toni K. Ruth www.cougarfund.org. What Do A University, An Endangered Species And The Western Cougar Have In Common?

In May, The Cougar Fund co-founder Tom Mangelsen and Development Director Lisa Rullman attended the 10th Annual Mountain Lion Conference. There they heard a presentation by a Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) representative Ricky Pires.

Florida Gulf Coast University started Wings of Hope and the Panther Posse eleven years ago; its mission, “Building bridges of hope for wildlife, water conservation and the environment with education and awareness for and elementary students and their families.”

Panther Posse is a highly successful program using college students to help teach 4th graders about the endangered , research, panther habitat, kittens and water conservation. One key element of the program is that every is required to teach two more people. Another is the children’s direct link to research through “pennies for panthers.” The money they raise is used to purchase motion-triggered cameras, and the photos of panthers captured by the remote cameras enhance the research. Wanting to emulate their photo by: Craighead Institute program, Lisa contacted Panther Posse’s creator and director Ricky Pires and the partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University was born. It has been Ricky’s dream to expand the program. Partnering with The Cougar Fund and creating Cougar Posse is her legacy.

For more information about Craighead Beringia South, visit: www.beringiasouth.org What Do A Florida University, An Endangered Species And The Western Cougar Have In Common?

photo by: FGCU Panther Posse camera

In July, thanks to FGCU, Ricky flew to Jackson, Wyoming. She made presentations to potential funders, local educators and volunteers. She shared her knowledge, supplies and experience. Knowing the importance of first hand participation, in September FGCU hosted Lisa for three days in Ft. Myers. Lisa experienced a Panther Posse in action, working with the children as they completed each challenge. She also visited the 7 Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge with the hope of connecting classrooms in Florida and Wyoming to compare and contrast panther/cougar habitat.

Another partner in this great program is Craighead Beringia South, a prominent wildlife research and education institute dedicated to putting science to work for wildlife. They will be working closely with The Cougar Fund to adjust the curriculum for the western habitat and will be hands-on in the classroom.

The Cougar Fund is thrilled to be working with both Florida Gulf Coast University and Craighead Beringia South. It is our sincere hope that once Cougar Posse is successfully launched in Jackson, photos by: Lisa Rullman Wyoming—birthplace of The Cougar Fund­­—it can expand to other areas where cougars reside.

For more information about Panther Posse, visit: www.fgcu.edu/cas/wingsofhope

photos by: Craighead Institute The Cougar Fund around Jackson, Wyoming

Old Bill’s Fun Run is a Jackson Hole institution that is legendary in the non-profit community for every donor dollar given through the program being photos by: Charlie Craighead matched at approximately What would you do if you were a two-time 50% by the anonymous “Mr. and Mrs. Old Bill” and other Olympic long-distance runner and were confronted by several Co-Challengers. The run is a community event like no other cougar sightings at just the time in your life when everything with costumed adults, canines and kids running to raise money seemed to be turning upside down? During Anne Marie Letko’s for local non-profits. Informational booths of the benefiting talk, “Cat Tales, Running with Cougar,” this is exactly the organizations filled the town square, and who was on the front story that captivated the guests at The Murie Center’s Front lines this year? None other than The Cougar Fund staff! Porch Series. The Cougar Fund partnered with The Center in The Cougar Fund Development Director Lisa Rullman serves June to present the evening talk to 70+ guests on the “Run Committee” and acts as co-manager of the below the Tetons at The Murie route, appearing everywhere from the start to the finish line! Ranch, which concluded with The Cougar Fund Office Assistant Heather Mathews served founders Cara Blessley Lowe and at The Cougar Fund booth throughout the event answering Tom Mangelsen telling their own questions and helping children make animal tracks in sand version of being touched by Puma using plaster molds, which will be part of the Cougar Posse concolor and the beginnings of program (see page 6). The Cougar Fund. Thank you to all who visited us and made the event such a photos by: Charlie Craighead success. We also thank Anne Marie Letko, winner of the women’s 5k race, for choosing The Cougar Fund as one of the non-profits to receive a portion of her race award. Farmers markets are a summer staple in towns and around the U.S., and Jackson Hole is no exception. What’s different about the “Jackson Hole People’s Market” is that each week one non-profit organization is featured to highlight the work they are doing in the community. The Cougar

Fund was selected and regarded this opportunity as a chance to engage the community Franz Camenzind Franz on several levels: Kids were taught how to distinguish cougar tracks from tracks by: photos (look for the three-lobed heel print!), existing supporters were met and new ones gained and issues impacting cougars and other carnivores were discussed. If you happen to be in Jackson Hole next summer, look for us on Wednesday evenings at the People’s Market!

We want to thank Jeff and Deana Henn of Ft. Myers, Florida for hosting a wine and cheese party for The Cougar Fund. Fundraising efforts like these make our work possible. Thank you Jeff and Deana! 10th Anniversary Cougar Fund supporters gathered in Jackson, Wyoming at American Legion Post 43’s cozy log building on Sunday, October 9th to celebrate the first 10 years of The Cougar Fund and kick off the next 10 years. Candlelight, white linens, red roses and the aroma of Mama K’s gourmet pizza greeted each guest. Wonderful auction items donated by various businesses and supporters covered several tables. Gwen Leslie provided 9 banjo music and vocals. Board members Webb Blessley, Cara Blessley Lowe, Tom Mangelsen, Corey Rutledge and John Swallow were introduced and recounted stories of the organization’s beginnings ten years ago. We appreciate everyone’s support of our work through our first decade and look forward to our continued partnerships in the future.

We would like to thank the following businesses and individuals who supported our 10th Anniversary:

Albertsons Dornans Wine Shop Mangelsen – Images of Nature Gallery American Legion Post 43 e.leaven Food Company Thomas D. Mangelsen Backcountry Provisions Fort Frame and Art Patagonia Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips Great Harvest Bread Company Pearl Street Bagels Betty Rock Café and Pizzeria High Country Linen Service Lisa and Steve Robertson The Brookover Gallery Jackson Hole Distributing Sidewinders Tavern Liquor Store Sue Cedarholm Jackson Whole Grocer Skinny Skis Charlie Craighead Hey!wire - Dorothy Jankowsky Westside Wine and Spirits Craighead Beringia South Gwen Leslie The Wort Hotel

Please support those who support us! photos by: Charlie Craighead and Drea Craighead The Cougar Fund Board of Directors Welcomes New Staff

Board of Directors

Marc Bekoff

photo by: Sue Cedarholm Webb Blessley, Treasurer

Patricio Robles Gil

Dr. Jane Goodall

Rick Hopkins, Ph.D, left to right: Lisa Rullman, Thomas D. Mangelsen, Cara Blessley Lowe, Heather Mathews President

Lisa Rullman, Development Director, has a lengthy history of raising Cara Blessley Lowe, money and generating awareness for conservation issues. Before joining Co-Founder and Secretary The Cougar Fund, she spent six years with Jackson Hole Conservation Thomas D. Mangelsen, Alliance. “Lisa brings enthusiasm, savvy and that rare gift of marrying Co-Founder passion with fundraising—the practical side of our mission,” says Thomas D. Mangelsen, co-founder of The Cougar Fund. Welcome, Lisa! Susan Richards, Esq. Corey Rutledge, Esq. Heather Mathews recently joined the staff of The Cougar Fund. Her expertise with bookkeeping and management, in a variety of local John Swallow, businesses from a veterinary office to non-profits focused on domestic Vice-President animals and wildlife, made her the ideal candidate for our new part-time position of office assistant. Cara Blessley Lowe, co-founder and director of Advisory Board The Cougar Fund, said, “I don’t think it would be possible to find a more positive, energetic and organized person to add to our staff.” Dr. Susan G. Clark Dr. Brett G. Dickson

Ron Hirschi

Ted Kerasote

Linda L. Sweanor, M.S.

Staff

Lisa Rullman, We’re an approved The Cougar Fund Development Director, 1% partner! is proud to announce [email protected]

1% member businesses on every its new partnership with continent give at least 1% of their Heather Mathews, top-line sales to charities like ours. 1% for the Planet. Support us – and make giving back Office Assistant, a part of the way you do business. [email protected] onepercentfortheplanet.org Cash for Cougars Contact Us

Without donors like you, The Cougar Fund PO Box 122 these cats don’t have a voice. Jackson, WY 83001 There are many ways to support our work: (307) 733-0797 • Mail a check today to: Fax: (307) 733-7129 The Cougar Fund [email protected] PO Box 122 www.cougarfund.org Jackson, WY 83001 • Use your credit card to donate by visiting: www.cougarfund.org. • A gift of stock may be made through Wells Fargo Advisors at (307) 733-0797; The Cougar Fund, Inc.; DTC #0141; Account #70074188. • Join our Monthly Giving Circle by mailing a check monthly or signing up for a monthly recurring gift on our website: www.cougarfund.org. 11 • Help us plan for our future by making a three-year pledge. • Host a fundraiser to benefit The Cougar Fund. Has your email or mailing address • Give an in-kind gift or service. Please call us at (307) 733-0797 to discuss your idea. changed? Please let • Celebrate our 10th Anniversary with an additional gift using any of the above methods. us know! • Remember The Cougar Fund with a planned gift when making your estate plans. • Volunteer to help with social media, special events, mailings, public comment or so much more.

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