The Santa Cruz Puma Project has been studying mountain lions (or pumas) in the Santa Cruz mountains for 12 years. In this episode, Chris Wilmers, Ph.D., Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, UC Santa Cruz, explores the long term findings of their research exploring how human presence impacts puma behavior, movements, and survival. Along the way we delve into some of the mysteries of mountain lion natural history, including how they communicate with each other, what they think of Rachel Maddow and Rush Limbaugh, and how they responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NOTE: this video contains brief but graphic descriptions of injuries to animals, and occasional graphic language.

To keep up to date with Chris Wilmers’ research visit: santacruzpumas.org

May 2021