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Wild News

The Network proudly presents Wild Cat News, a tri-annual DIRECTORS publication dedicated to the scientific research of North American wild . Clay Nielsen, PhD • IL

Ken Miller, MS • MA

Mark Dowling, MBA • CT

Bob Wilson, MS • KS

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS

Adrian P. Wydeven • WI

Bill Watkins • MB

Ron Andrews • IA

Darrell Land • FL

Dave Hamilton • MO

Harley Shaw • NM

Jay Tischendorf, DVM • MT

IN THIS ISSUE

Introduction to the Cougar Network

Modeling Potential for in the Midwest

Jaguars Along the Borderlands

Cougars Confirmed in

Missouri Mountain : Rumors and Reality

Using Mortality as a Reference for Population Dynamics

Cougars in ?

Recommendations for Necropsy and Processing

Editor: Scott Wilson THE COUGAR NETWORK: USING SCIENCE TO UNDERSTAND COUGAR ECOLOGY • JUNE 2005 © 2005 The Cougar Network An Introduction to the Cougar Network by Dr. Clay Nielsen, Mark Dowling, Ken Miller, and Bob Wilson

The Cougar Network least two prominent scientists. Dr. cougar, it is especially interested in The cougar is ecologically Maurice Hornocker, world-renowned the phenomenon of expanding cougar important as a top and of cougar biologist, predicted in the populations into their former habitat. interest to as a symbol of May 2003 issue of Outside Magazine The Cougar Network does not . Similar to many other that, “lions will hit the Mississippi in take advocacy positions regarding the large predators, cougar numbers have the next decade. The East and Mid- cougar issue; its only advocacy is for fluctuated dramatically during the west is beautiful cat country, full of good science. The organization past few centuries. Cougars were one and cover.” Dr. Paul Beier, strives to maintain credibility with of the most widespread carnivore another researcher with extensive wildlife professionals and is therefore in prior to cougar experience, stated in a New guided by seven scientific advisors European settlement, and 42 state, federal, but by the early 1900s, and provincial conser- their populations had vation agency contacts, been decimated by as well as private- predator removal pro- sector biologists. These grams. At this time, experts are from an cougars were restricted array of natural resource primarily to the west- backgrounds and have ern states and prov- been extremely valu- inces, where rough able in the evaluation of topography and wilder- evidence, as well as in ness precluded their consultations regard- elimination. Wildlife ing cougar biology. managers in western The Cougar Network adamantly believes that states and provinces © Daniel J. Cox/NaturalExposures.com began to protect maintaining credibility cougars in the late with state and provin- 1960s and early 1970s, with some York Times article (November 8, cial wildlife agencies will be an states allowing only small harvests or 2002) that “they (cougars) will even- integral part in documenting the east- no harvest at all. In response, western tually get to New Jersey, or at least ward spread of cougars. Agencies cougar populations have rebounded close.” will need to rely on accurate store- considerably. For these reasons, the Cougar houses of cougar verifications, such Cougar populations now appear Network was formed in August 2002 as those that the Cougar Network to be expanding from rugged, by Mark Dowling, Ken Miller, and keeps in its ongoing database. By undeveloped areas into more - Bob Wilson; Dr. Clay Nielsen cooperating with wildlife agencies, dominated landscapes. Since 1990, became affiliated as the Director of the Cougar Network hopes to bridge increasing cougar presence has been Scientific Research in August 2003. the information gap between the especially evident in the Midwest. The Cougar Network is a non-profit public, the academic realm, and wild- Cougar sightings, tracks, , and research organization dedicated to life biologists, regarding the cougar vehicle-caused mortalities have been studying cougar-habitat relationships phenomenon. confirmed by wildlife biologists in and the role of cougars in ecosystems. most midwestern states. These Although the Network conducts work (Continued on Page 2) findings follow the predictions of at throughout the entire range of the

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 1 An Introduction to the Cougar Network

(Continued from Page 1)

Cougar Confirmation Criteria page, and a listing of state and provin- educational projects aimed at under- Early in the formation of the cial wildlife agency contacts. The standing cougar potential outside of Cougar Network, the founders totality of incident data is shown in their established range. decided that there should be firm the “Big Picture Map.” This map criteria to count incidents of cougar provides an excellent illustration of Thanks, and Enjoy! presence outside their known range. the increasing verification of cougar The Cougar Network would like In the past few , cougar reports presence in the eastern half of North to thank its many scientific advisors have inundated wildlife agencies in America. and wildlife conservation agency the East and Midwest. The prepon- Dr. Clay Nielsen of the Cougar contacts for their assistance and derance of unreliable reports, and the Network and Southern support of the organization, as well as damage to credibility that they can University Carbondale has recently numerous other individuals who have cause, has induced the Cougar begun a cougar habitat modeling also provided useful information. Network to consider only the follow- project that will further the research Dr. Nielsen acknowledges the Coop- ing “hard evidence” of cougar pres- goals of the Network; please see his erative Wildlife Research Laboratory ence: article in this issue of Wild Cat News at Southern Illinois University 1. Class I Confirmations: (see page 3). We believe this will be Carbondale for supporting his Carcass of a dead cougar or a live- the first in a series of research and research endeavors. captured , photographs/video, and DNA evidence. 2. Class II Confirmations: Cougar Confirmations: 1990 to Present Tracks or other physical evidence verified by a qualified professional. Eastern Half of North America The results of the Cougar Networkʼs comprehensive cougar database can be found on its Web site at www.cougarnet.org. The organiza- tion has documented dozens of verified cases of cougar presence in the East and Midwest dating back to 1990, and the Web site provides brief summaries and documentation for these incidents. All of the Cougar Networkʼs data has been either sourced from, or reviewed by, state and federal wildlife officials and/or professional wildlife biologists. The Network views this type of “peer review” as essential to insuring the accuracy and credibility of the data. The Cougar Networkʼs Web site also includes a description of the organi- zation, its goals, a “Breaking News”

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 2 Modeling Potential Habitat for Cougars in the Midwest by Dr. Clay Nielsen, Director of Scientific Research, Cougar Network Wildlife Ecologist, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

the Cougar Network and wildlife scientists and managers. The wildlife ecologist at Southern habitat model will identify environ- Illinois University Carbon- mental factors potentially affecting daleʼs Cooperative Wildlife cougar distribution in the Midwest. Research Laboratory Habitat maps will depict areas where (www.siu.edu/~wildlife), I wildlife biologists may expect to find have received initial funding cougars in the future, which can be to provide a planning and used to plan for cougar-human educational tool regarding conflicts and cougar use of important cougar potential in the Mid- prey (i.e., white-tailed deer) popula- west. Beginning with internal tions. Wildlife agencies will also have support from SIUC, I will be to address the human dimensions of creating a habitat model for cougar presence by educating the Wildlife biologists frequently cougars in the Midwestern states and public on potential cougar risks and create computer models to assess provinces nearest the established damage to . These agencies potential habitat and population western populations in the Rocky will also have to develop protocols growth for relatively large, highly Mountains, of South for reacting to cougar threats. Finally, mobile predators such as , Dakota, and West Texas. Additional wildlife agencies will need to plan gray , and grizzly . These funding is being sought from various for cougar protection, and this habitat approaches use remotely-sensed organizations to further support the analysis could represent an initial step habitat data, geographic information project. toward that goal. Look to future systems (GIS) and multivariate Final products from this issues of Wild Cat News for updates statistical techniques to predict research will include GIS maps of on this important research! carnivore habitat quality using data cougar habitat that will be useful to from field studies and ecological theory. Cougar biologists also utilize these methods, as researchers have recently predicted potential habitat suitability for cougars in and the southeastern . Ecological predictions that arise from these habitat models are crucial for better understanding carnivore- habitat interactions and predicting future trends in wildlife populations. Given the number of cougar confirmations documented by the Cougar Network during the past two years, it is clearly time for the wildlife community to prepare for cougars, as have an increasing number of Mid- Example land cover map for southern Illinois based on LANDSAT satellite imagery. Areas in dark green represent forest cover, light green areas are grassland cover, and yellow portions western state wildlife agencies. represent agriculture. As director of scientific research for

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 3 Along the Borderlands by William E. Van Pelt, Nongame Program Manager Fish and Department

In March 1996, on the fourth Like many large predators at the suggests a resident population. day of what was a planned 10-day turn of the century, jaguars were However, the more recent records mountain hunt, guide relentlessly pursued and controlled to (post 1960) are largely, if not entirely, Warner Glenn took what is believed protect livestock. Being a top of young males, suggesting dispersal to be the first photograph of a live predator, jaguars were described as from a core population that is persist- in the wild in the United fearless. They were susceptible to ing somewhere in , Mexico. States. Jack Childs, another Arizona hunting with , , and With numbers so low, it was houndsman, accomplished a assumed the jaguar would similar feat in the Babo- be included on the list of quivari mountains five when months later, except Childs the Endangered Species also obtained a video tape. Act was first drafted in When people first heard 1973. However, due to an about jaguars being photo- administrative oversight, graphed in Arizona they did the jaguar and six other not believe it. They would call endangered species were my office asking if a jaguar not included on the list. actually was running free in Although the United States Arizona. Many thought it was Fish and Wildlife Service attempted to remedy this © 2004 Emil McCain error in 1979, the jaguar once again was not listed poisoning. Because of because the Service could not com- the low numbers asso- plete the listing as required by the ciated with a species at Act. It would take another 10 years the fringe of its range, and a petition from the American resident populations of Southwest Sierra Institute/Lifenet, jaguars proved to be before the Service looked at federally quite simple to elimi- listing the species again. However, nate from the United while the jaguar was moving through States. Jaguars have the listing process, Congress enacted © 2004 Emil McCain been killed in the a moratorium prohibiting work on United States as listing actions in April 1995. It was a hoax or a staged event in order to recently as 1986, when a male jaguar not until the spring of 1996, that gain notoriety. These people, unfa- was shot in the Dos Cabeza Moun- presidential waiver lifted the morato- miliar with Arizona wildlife, thought tains in southeastern Arizona. rium. the jaguar was a captive animal and For example, since 1848, the While the Federal government was turned loose. It certainly came as total number of jaguar records was again starting up the listing a surprise to many of them when I (known specimens, killings reported, process for the jaguar, the states of said that jaguars actually occur natu- and credible sight records) from Arizona, , and Texas rally here in Arizona. Even today, I Arizona is in the neighborhood of 84. still hear the skepticism in their voice This number includes adult females (Continued on Page 5) about my answer. and groups of , which

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 4 Jaguars Along the Borderlands

(Continued from Page 4) began discussing the need for a traveled to to collect informa- als with different agendas can work conservation agreement for jaguars, tion on jaguar depredation on together for the common good. but before drafting an agreement, livestock and published a book on These conservation efforts in Texas decided not to continue with jaguar sign. Working group members Arizona are actually contributing a this effort. In 1997, Arizona and New are also monitoring remote-census larger Pan-American initiative that Mexico held nine public meetings to cameras in mountain ranges recently was initiated by the Wildlife Conser- solicit comments and support for an occupied by jaguars. This has vation Society. In March 1999, a agreement. In March 1997, along allowed for the documentation of workshop was held in Morelos, with 17 federal, state, and local two, possibly three, individual Mexico, to discuss research and prob- governments, the Arizona and New jaguars using parts of Arizona from lems facing jaguar conservation both Mexico Game and Fish Departments December 2001 to January 2005. on a national and international level. submitted a final agreement for the Other activities that have been Here, jaguar researchers identified Service to consider while making a initiated for jaguar conservation and prioritized jaguar research and determination for the jaguar listing. include Malpai Borderland Groupʼs conservation needs to assure the At the heart of the Jaguar depredation fund and Arizona survival of the species into the new Conservation Agreement is the Houndsmanʼs $5,000 reward for millennium. development of strong For the continued public-private partner- existence of the jaguar ships using innovative in the United States, and adaptive manage- conservation must begin ment to conserve the in Mexico. One of the jaguar in Arizona and highest priorities identi- New Mexico. The Con- fied at the workshop servation Agreement was determining the established a Conserva- source population for tion Team and Working dispersing animals that Group to initiate conser- are periodically show- vation activities. Mem- ing up in Arizona and bers of these groups – New Mexico. Once this some of which were is accomplished, protec- nemeses of the jaguar, © 2004 Emil McCain tion for the habitat and such as the livestock and travel corridors needs to hunting interest groups – be implemented. This is were brought in to help conserve the information leading to the arrest and no small feat considering a jaguar species. This has proven to be a valu- conviction of any person who may need to occupy 500 square miles able enterprise. intentionally kills a jaguar. These of habitat, can travel great distances Early on, the Jaguar Conserva- cooperators were also crucial in in short periods of time, and will tion Team recognized the lack of lobbying for state laws that would crisscross an international border at information about these cats and has protect the jaguar once it is taken off will. Continued collaboration with been aggressive at collecting sound the Endangered Species list. The our Mexican counterparts is neces- scientific data about jaguars. In 1998, continued cooperation exhibited by sary if we hope to have jaguars roam- members from the working group this team demonstrates that individu- ing the borderlands.

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 5 Cougars Confirmed in Manitoba by Bill Watkins, Zoologist, Biodiversity Conservation Section Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection Branch, Manitoba Conservation

A discussion of cougar sightings in Manitoba is guaranteed to arouse passions. Many people who have seen a cougar report their sighting hesitantly, expecting ridicule, while others continue to insist they have seen a cougar long after a period of time when objective evidence would indicate otherwise. It is beyond doubt that cougars have been seen in Mani- toba. Many credible sightings are reported every , and the occa- sional hair sample or track confirms the presence of this elusive predator. There are those who believe that these sightings are either of escaped captive animals or of dispersing males from other jurisdictions that are “just passing through.” Conversely, Is this cougar habitat? there are those who are critical of government biologists for not admit- cougars and a 31-year hiatus in the Riding Mountains, the highest and ting that the province has a breeding reporting of any dead specimens most visually apparent relief in the population and managing them significantly cooled interest in the province. Two broad river valleys accordingly. It has long been an species, although sightings continued separate the three main upland areas axiom of science that “extraordinary to be documented by biologists and and contain the regionʼs best agricul- claims demand extraordinary Natural Resource Officers. Then in tural lands. The uplands exhibit the proofs.” From 1973 until 2004, not a rapid succession at the end of 2004, undulating relief typical of topogra- single dead cougar had been reported two dead cougars were reported to the phy formed by glacial till and melt or turned over to Manitoba Conserva- department. water. Water is ponded in many small tion. In the absence of evidence, The first was a female, shot by a depressions and lakes as a result of perhaps the biologists can be forgiven landowner on the southern boundary poorly developed drainage, although if they err on the side of caution in of Duck Mountain Provincial Forest numerous small streams flow radially assessing the status of so rare an Reserve on November 1. The second, from the uplands through incised animal. a male, was taken accidentally by a valleys. Typically, these river chan- The shooting of a cougar at licensed trapper south of Riding nels are deeply cut with terraces, Stead, 35 miles northeast of Winni- Mountain National Park on Decem- flood plains, and poorly drained peg in 1973, and a detailed assess- ber 30, a distance of just over 60 deltas. Uplands, lowlands and river ment of 281 documented sightings miles from where the first cougar was valleys combine to provide suitable from 1879 to 1975 first established killed. Both locations are situated habitat for a mixture of plant commu- the species as resident in the within Manitobaʼs Western Upland nities, characteristic of boreal forest, province (Nero and Wrigley 1977). Natural Region. Subsequent department field surveys The region is dominated by the (Continued on Page 7) that failed to find evidence of resident Hills and the Duck, and

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 6 Cougars Confirmed in Manitoba

(Continued from Page 6) aspen parkland, and prairie. Most are the regionʼs largest mammals. male weighed in at a little over 115 importantly, the region contains Duck Predators include wolves, , pounds, the female at 91 pounds. The Mountain Provincial Park and Riding , , and now maybe stomachs were essentially empty Mountain National Park, which cougars. except for some conifer needles, a collectively provide almost 1,700 In late January 2005, a team of few strands of grass, and small quan- square miles of essentially undevel- government, university, and museum tities of their own hair. The female oped habitat. Additional area is biologists and a provincial veterinar- provided one clue regarding diet. provided by the Duck Mountain ian performed a necropsy on the two Old porcupine quills completely Forest Reserve, in which logging is cougar specimens. Both were in embedded under the skin were found the primary activity but human devel- excellent condition with more than opment is minimal. , , black adequate stores of subcutaneous and (Concluded on Page 8) , white-tailed deer, and abdominal fat for midwinter. The

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 7 Cougars Confirmed in Manitoba

(Continued from Page 7) on one front paw and one hind foot, heterogeneity of markers say between North Americaʼs cougar her throat, the back of her head, and anything about the degree of inbreed- populations (Anderson et. al. 2004; on her shoulders. Both cats were ing (which may be evident if a small Culver et. al. 2000), the origin of found to carry tapeworm and round- local population exists with minimal Manitobaʼs cougars may remain as worm species typical of wild cougars immigration from other popula- elusive as the big cats themselves. in North America. tions)? Life as a predator of large herbi- Following a flurry of reports by Photo Credit vores can be difficult at times, and the press, Manitoba Conservation Southern Boundary of Duck scarring was evident on internal received numerous letters, e-mails, Mountain Provincial Park – Cara Gill organs of both cougars, reflecting and phone calls. Without exception, past blunt trauma – perhaps caused by rural, or urban, correspondents urged Literature Cited a good kick from a desperate elk or that greater protection be provided for Anderson Jr., C. R., et al. 2004. deer. The male exhibited scar tissue cougars within the province. There is Genetic structure of cougar popula- on the right lung, the pancreas, and absolutely no evidence of the “cougar tions across the Wyoming Basin: along the duodenum. The femaleʼs panic” that has occurred in other metapopulations or megapopulation. injury was more severe. Scar tissue jurisdictions following the sighting or J. 85(6):1207-1214. was evident on her spleen, and her killing of a cougar in areas where diaphragm – although healed – had they have been absent for a long time. Culver, M., et al. 2000. been perforated. Breathing must have These two incidents at the end Genomic ancestry of the American been compromised for some time of 2004 generated a great deal of puma (Puma concolor). J. Heredity following the injury, making hunting interest in cougars by the public. The 91(3):186- 197. difficult. The porcupine quills take on press coverage to date has stressed new meaning in this light. the fact that cougars are a protected Nero, R. W., and R. E. Wrigley. The most disappointing result of species in Manitoba and that it is 1977. Status and habits of the cougar the necropsy was the observation that illegal to deliberately kill them. in Manitoba. Canadian Field- the female had never bred. Since Manitoba Conservation has agreed to Naturalist 91(1):28-40. females tend to disperse relatively provide the hides from these cougars short distances from where they are for mounting and display to a local born, it is reasonable to speculate that museum and the Riding Mountain the Duck Mountain female is National Park Visitor Centre, with the Bill Watkins, Zoologist evidence of a breeding population in condition that each display have a Biodiversity Conservation Section Manitoba or along the border in the strong conservation message. Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection adjacent province of . Skeletal remains will become part of Branch Evidence of breeding by the female the permanent collection at the Manitoba Conservation would have added weight to the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg. Box 24, 200 Saulteaux Crescent argument. Tissue samples have been Unfortunately, we may never Winnipeg, MB R3J 3W3 sent for DNA analysis, and additional know the original source of telephone: 204-945-8481 questions may be answered with the Manitobaʼs cougars. In the absence of fax: 204-945-3077 results of these tests. Were the two a North American-wide cougar DNA e-mail: [email protected] cats related? Are there any South database with which to compare American markers indicating a samples and recent work demonstrat- captive origin? Does the degree of ing a low degree of genetic variability

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 8 Mountain Lions: Rumors and Reality by Dave Hamilton, Biologist Missouri Department of Conservation

If a person consid- explain part of the ers only the number of increase in reports in reported mountain lion Missouri and neighbor- sightings in Missouri, ing states, but it isnʼt he might conclude that the whole story. the state has a thriving Adding to the population of the big mania surrounding this cats. However, looking issue, mountain lions at investigation results are often confused with reveals a picture of other animals. False overexcitement and sightings are rampant. mistaken identity. Since the first Following the first confirmed incident of a confirmed mountain mountain lion in lion sightings in the Missouri in 1994, we early 1990s, the Mis- have investigated souri Department of literally hundreds of Conservation (MDC) calls that turn out to be formed a Mountain Lion Response mountain lions from these popula- other animals. Last year alone, we Team (MLRT) to handle such reports tions was killed in Missouri in 1927; recorded 152 reports of mountain lion as quickly and accurately as possible. the last one in was killed in sightings, but none turned out to be The MLRT is composed of 1867, in about 1860 in Illinois, 1890 confirmed mountain lions based on wildlife experts, a law enforcement in Nebraska, 1904 in Kansas, and evidence at the locations. Many officer, and wildlife damage control 1908 in . Populations of times, no evidence is available, and biologists that are always ready to mountain lions survived in remote the incident is recorded only as a look at a photograph, examine a foot- mountainous terrain in western states, sighting. Occasionally, tracks, scat, a print or view a video. Also, they help but no verifiable evidence exists to carcass of a prey animal, hair from a to provide information and training to suggest that they survived anywhere barbed-wire fence, photographs, or MDC employees and to provide in the Midwest, perhaps outside of video tapes are obtained from the better service to the public. All the Black Hills of . witnesses. Out of the hundreds, only agency employees have been But now they seem to be eight were confirmed mountain lions instructed to take every mountain lion rebounding. There is increasing (none since August 2003). report seriously and forward informa- evidence that mountain lion popula- Dogs and tracks are the tion to the MLRT for immediate tions may be in the process of number one and number two cases of action. The response has been almost reclaiming former in the misidentification. Unusually large overwhelming. Midwest, among a sizable human dog tracks often stimulate a call about Although mountain lions were population that is uninformed about a . Sightings of other animals once common in Missouri and else- these predators. Mountain lion are often confused with mountain where in the Midwest, they were populations in western states are at lions, including bobcats, , eradicated during the 19th Century near-record levels, and as the habitats foxes, and even ordinary house cats. due to over-hunting, human settle- fill up, new animals born each year (Continued on Page 10) ment and development, and have to travel further to locate persecution. The last surviving wild suitable living space. This may

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 9 Missouri Mountain Lions: Rumors and Reality

(Continued from Page 9)

One case involved young downy kills nearby to confirm the sighting. corridor for dispersing mountain turkey vultures huddled in the back of Then in 2002, a motorist killed a lions, which are mostly young males. a dark cavern. They hissed loudly young adult male cougar four miles All three carcasses that weʼve when the intruder came too close, but from downtown Kansas City on busy handled have had North American the follow-up investigation revealed Highway 435, about a mile from the cougar DNA, suggesting that perhaps the culprits, ruining an otherwise Missouri River. The following year, a they are wild rather than captive convincing story. motorist killed a juvenile male cougar animals, who tend to have South Part of the increase in false in Callaway County, less than 15 American DNA. sightings in northern Missouri stems miles from the Missouri River. South Dakota estimates they from the recent population explosion The increasing incidence of have a population of 165 cougars, of bobcats. populations have mountain lion sightings in Missouri mostly in the Black Hills. Each year, rapidly increased there, and many parallels neighboring states' experi- we are told that 20 to 25 yearlings – people had never seen them until ence. Mountain lions used to be rare mostly males – are being forced out recently. To the casual observer, in South Dakota, but they have a because the habitats are already bobcats can be confused with moun- well-established population there occupied by adult males, and they are tain lions. Their tracks look similar today. Folks in Nebraska are seeing moving in all directions. One moved except for size, and bobcats can kill them more often, and there have been 667 miles before it was killed by a adult-sized deer, hiding the carcass increases in verified sightings in Min- train in northern ; it was under a pile of leaves or grass, similar nesota, Iowa, , and Illinois. wearing a radio-collar, attached to that of the mountain lion. Recent The increase has caused quite a during a study of mountain lions in deer carcasses have been discovered stir amongst a sometimes fearful and the Black Hills of South Dakota. by landowners, and the analysis has paranoid public. In some quarters, Now our job is to try to educate revealed bobcat attack rather than people are even spreading the rumor Missourians, and prepare ourselves mountain lion. that the MDC is responsible for the to deal with a skeptical public, In the mix, however, are the outbreak, claiming that we are the hyped-up media, and maybe “needles in the haystack” – eight secretly releasing them in an effort to someday, more mountain lions. cases that proved to be the real deal. control the deer herd. The first was in 1994, when a man The MDC isn't shot a small adult female cougar in stocking mountain Carter County. There is considerable lions and isn't doing evidence that this was the same anything to encour- animal whose pelt turned up in Texas age the species' County four years later. return to Missouri. A mountain lion was videotaped What the evidence in Reynolds County in 1996, another suggests is that in Christian County in 1997, and a Missouri may be in third in Lewis County in 2000. In the path of natural 1999, a hunter treed a moun- dispersal from tain lion in Texas County, reported it western popula- to the MLRT, and within hours, we tions. The Missouri had taken photos of the tracks in the River provides a snow and discovered two fresh deer convenient travel

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 10 Using Mortality as a Reference for Population Dynamics

by Bob Wilson, Biologist and Cofounder The Cougar Network

Cougars capture the imagina- ish with an admiration that borders on National Park roadways from 1989 to tion; their singular beauty, graceful hero worship. Certainly, this view 2003 are as follows: stride, and enchanting, all- allows us to gain some degree of encompassing persona haunt the soul. respect for the bluntness of their Elk 566 Why do we affix such significance world, but it is a view that, unfortu- Mule deer 456 and charm to these creatures? What is nately, also serves to cloud reality. 192 it that draws the uninitiated as well as Whatever we may “want” we have to 135 the professional to their academic realize and eventually understand, Moose 112 lair? may be wishful thinking. Antelope 24 Perhaps we see in them vestiges In comparing Puma concolor 17 of our own history, a Western heritage with known ancestral relatives, such Black bear 12 that is steeped in the drama of moun- as , its neocortex (in the 11 tain men – individuals who go it ventral lobe) is more developed and is Whitetail deer 10 alone, against all odds, and against larger in the anterior and posterior 8 unrelenting hurdles; they are solitary sigmoid gyri. Drawing inferences to 6 people (like cats) that adapt and over- enhanced cerebral activity is tempt- 5 come. Perhaps we see the bravery of ing, but may not be warranted. Bobcat 3 American Indians, people that are Fifteen million years of felid evolu- Mountain lion 2 focused and determined to retain tion has done little to prepare modern pride, a people who refuse to sacrifice day cats with an ability to elude tech- In short, any population of honor and a commitment to the land. nological mortality. From a stand- animal, even a population with Whatever we see in cougars, we cher- point of ethology, cats of all species exceedingly low numbers, is likely to are still single minded and exceed- suffer road mortality. With cougars, ingly focused when pursing prey. expired individuals have been found This single-minded, focused behav- – road killed or otherwise – in areas ior may be one of their greatest that clearly have extremely small handicaps. Simply put, they have not populations. Illinois, Iowa, and Okla- learned to avoid vehicles. homa are good examples of states South Dakota has a known where cougars have been found shot, population of about 165 cougars. hit by cars, and killed by trains. Last year, 25 of these cougars were Although overall population numbers recovered after death. Among other (for any species) cannot be estimated causes of expiration, these cats were by mortality alone, the absence of any killed by autos, snares and motor- deceased individuals, especially for cycles – all of this in a state with a long continuous periods, is a palpable relatively low human population and indication that a population does not a highway system that is developed exist. but not nearly as extensively as in What, then, does this mean for other states, such as . Yel- cougar populations in regions where lowstone National Park, with a very they have been presumed extirpated low road density, has tallied some © Daniel J. Cox/NaturalExposures.com interesting road kill numbers. The (Continued on Page 12) total animals killed on Yellowstone

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 11 Using Mortality as a Reference for Population Dynamics

(Continued from Page 11)

and where, for year after year, no the central and eastern bodies have been found? It probably boundaries of Nebraska. means just that: they have been extir- Predominately, males pated. It does not mean that they seemed to be seeking cannot re-colonize, nor does it mean new territories as they that they will never again be seen in apparently spread from former haunts or that transients the Black Hills of South cannot occasionally drift through. It Dakota, a region that was does, though, force us to understand reaching its carrying that population numbers and mortality are intricately related. But, it also gives hope! A dead cougar (hit by train, auto, or anything else) may well signal that expansion is taking place. Nebraska serves as an interesting state for such a reference. Until recently, cougars had not been seen in that state for decades. Then about 14 years ago, they started to appear in sparing numbers, first in the west and then (as the millennium progressed) toward

capacity. Dispersing males from this core (as well as those in Colorado and Wyoming) are probably responsible for the incidental bodies that have appeared in Iowa and Illinois. Should females start to be found, it will likely serve as a flag that cougars are reclaiming lost hunting grounds.

References: Radinsky, L.B. 1969. Outlines of Canid and Felid Brain . Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 167:277-288

National Park Service Photographs © Daniel J. Cox/NaturalExposures.com

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 12 Back from the Brink? by Renee Wissink, Ecosystem Scientist Fundy National Park, New Brunswick, Canada

The lives! Fund, three maritime national parks Well, maybe! At first glance that (Fundy, Kouchibouguac, and Cape was what many thought when recent Breton Highlands) decided to erect DNA analysis, from two hair samples “cougar scent posts.” Baited with a collected at Fundy National Park lure made partially of cougar , came back positive for cougar. Publi- the posts attract passing cougars that cation of the results received national not only inspect the posts but rub up media attention. The debate about the against them. In doing so, a cougar existence of cougars in the Maritimes may unknowingly leave behind some that had smouldered from time to hair, their genetic calling card. Twice Fundy National Park Warden George time now flared into a larger wildlife monthly, wardens inspect the posts, Sinclair stands beside scent post. management issue. Whence had collect any hair and send it to a labo- Fundyʼs cougars come? ratory at the University of Montreal western North America. Few wildlife issues in the Mari- for DNA analysis. After a long wait, To some, the debate may seem times generate as much public inter- two samples collected in July and to be splitting hairs in that a cougar is est and debate as that of the existence October 2003 came back positive for a cougar. In reality, however, shed- of the Eastern Cougar. Originally, cougar. The debate was on again. ding light on the origin of these listed by the Committee on the Status The present focus of the debate animals could have huge implications of Endangered Wildlife in Canada surrounds three competing theories. for how they are managed in the (COSEWIC) as endangered in 1978 One theory states that the cougars future. If it could be shown to be a and then changed to “Data Deficient” found in eastern Canada stem from a remnant population of Eastern Cou- in 1998, the eastern cougar has been remnant population of Eastern gars (serious scientific skepticism described as “mythical” or as the cougars, a separate and distinct surrounds whether or not an identifi- “ghost of the forest.” On one side of , which has always been able subspecies ever existed), then the debate are those that have here at low population levels. The they would get continued protection captured glimpses of these big cats in second theory is often referred to as under the Species at Risk Acts both the wild and who swear by what they FERCs, an acronym for Feral- provincially and federally. If, on the saw. They are backed by a database of Escaped-Released Captive cougars. other hand, they are proven to be hundreds of filed reports, many by Backed by evidence that hundreds of FERCs or long distant migrants who credible observers, and numerous cougars are kept in private hands, are invading new territory in a way sightings that remained unreported particularly in the United States, and similar to the invasion of the mari- due to fear of ridicule. On the other that escapes or releases have time provinces by coyotes in the hand was the cool skepticism of occurred, this theory states that the 1970s, then how they are managed science and management that wanted population spreading in eastern may take on an entirely different the hard evidence, a carcass, a photo- Canada arises from these FERCs. The slant. Unfortunately, the two positive graph, or some other proof that third theory is that these cougars are samples collected in Fundy National cougars exist. distant migrants from a cougar popu- Park in 2003 shed no light on this Providing that hard evidence is lation which seems to be reestablish- issue. In the mean time, all three where Parks Canada stepped in. Start- ing itself in the United States and parks will continue to collect hair ing in 2002, and initially supported Canadian Midwest. Even with this samples for further analysis and by the Fundy Guild, a Parks Partner- group, debate surrounds their origin perhaps enough samples of high ship group, and later by the Parks as either FERCs or migrant from the enough quality may allow us to say Canada Species at Risk Inventory known populations further west in more in the future. Stay tuned!

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 13 Recommendations for Puma Necropsy and Processing

by Jay Tischendorf, DVM, Director American Ecological Research Institute (AERIE)

As the Cougar Networkʼs “Big tion in dealing with any puma speci- state has a professional veterinary Picture” map demonstrates, pumas men. A systematic, careful necropsy medical school, and there are also are increasingly showing up in places will provide necessary and fascinat- approximately four veterinary far removed from what is considered ing insights into the life of the animal colleges across Canada) and state or their normal range. Often these in question. Necropsy should be federal animal diagnostic laborato- incidents are accompanied by a speci- conducted as soon as possible ries. These scientists are uniquely men – perhaps a puma hit by a car or (ASAP) post-mortem to minimize the qualified to grossly evaluate a speci- train, or perhaps one even slain by an impacts and artifacts of time and men, perform a precise and exhaus- arrow or bullet. Given the rarity and tissue autolysis (i.e. breakdown). tive necropsy, and collect and evalu- biological importance of such events, With this in mind, it is desirable ate (including critical microscopic particularly in the , Mid- to have a board-certified veterinary histologic evaluations) the appropri- west, or East, planning and preparing pathologist conduct the necropsy. ate samples from all organ systems to for the eventuality of actually having Such individuals are veterinarians identify the presence or absence of a puma specimen in hand is time well who have undergone intensive, rigor- innumerable or toxicological spent. Some general guidelines for ous, and advanced specialized train- processes, as well as determine or properly handling a dead puma ing well beyond that of veterinary confirm the proximal and ultimate follow. medical school and veterinarians in cause of death. First, if possible, make sure that local or other clinical practice. These Since pumas and their manage- the specimen is refrigerated, prefer- medical scientists have special ment fall under the jurisdiction of ably, or at least kept as cool as credentials from the American state, provincial, and/or federal natu- possible. Do not, however, freeze any College of Veterinary Pathologists ral resource agencies, it is also recom- specimen as the process of freezing (ACVP). While not well known by mended that an experienced and thawing damages or, worse, the general public, board-certified biologist/ecologist assist with the destroys tissue. Next, a formal veterinary pathologists can be found necropsy of any puma specimen from necropsy is a critical part of the equa- at veterinary colleges (almost every outside typical puma range. Such a professional may be able to provide important insights into puma life history and ecology, and perhaps help interpret external or internal findings (i.e. fight wounds, trap injuries, etc.), aiding the pathologist in his or her assessment of the animal. Following the necropsy, which should be documented photographi- cally and by a full, formal written report, it is imperative to catalog all remaining portions of the animal – hide, skeleton, and blood/tissue/organ samples, etc. Most pathology labora- tories or facilities have systems in

(Continued on Page 15) © Ed Weiner, Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 14 Recommendations for Puma Necropsy and Processing

(Continued from Page 14)

continue to be intentional and unin- tentional puma deaths. Having a stan- dard protocol in place to appropri- ately document these specimens is both critical and rewarding. High- quality, useful, relevant data will defi- nitely contribute to the growing body of knowledge related to these fasci- nating cats. The author and the Cougar Networkʼs Dr. Clay Nielsen are available to answer ques- tions in this regard, receive feedback, or provide additional guidance as needed. Please donʼt hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

place to archive any samples obtained evaluations adds to the during necropsy. It may be useful for power of the final result a second set to be retained at another and also serves as a scien- location. As part of the scientific tific “checks and balances” chain of evidence, the hide and skel- system in the event there is eton from a puma specimen should be a discrepancy in the results formally cataloged and archived in a between the unrelated labs. museum or other appropriate public As likely as it is that collection. A copy of all paperwork more and more pumas will related to the specimen and its origin turn up in seemingly and evaluation should accompany the strange places, there will remains. In this setting, the specimen and its unique story are available for future researchers. Regarding DNA evaluations, genetic work is still, relatively speak- ing, in its infancy. With this in mind, this author recommends that paired samples of tissue be sent – at a mini- mum – to two different laboratories thoroughly experienced with wildlife DNA analyses. Having two or more Photographs © Daniel J. Cox/NaturalExposures.com separate labs conduct independent

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Wild Cat News • www.cougarnet.org • Page 16